HEREFORD RFC head coach Scott Sturdy has urged his side to be better in execution as they fell to a 15-20 home defeat against Stratford upon Avon.

The teams exchanged penalties before Mark Philo try gave the hosts an 8-3 lead at the interval.

Stratford equalised with a try early in the second period, which they followed up with a further two tries, one of which was converted.

Hereford pressed hard for the final 15 minutes and managed the consolation of a converted Tom Williams try.

“A challenging day at Wyeside,” said Sturdy. “We played particularly well in the first half.

“We created numerous chances whether from gaining entry to the opposition 22 or creating some really good line breaks.

“Unfortunately, early on we didn’t show enough composure when presented with these opportunities, to finish the job off.

“This always leads to a tight game. In the second half we conceded a number of penalties and our inability to retain the ball put us under pressure and eventually Stratford broke through.

“With a few minutes to go we managed to salvage a score to get a bonus point. A disappointing day. I know the players feel the same way as I do and we know we need to get better in our execution, 90 per cent of what we’re doing is great, but we need to make sure that we finish our chances.

“We have a rest week next week before we go away to Shipston on Stour, the 1870s take on Harbury at Wyeside.”

The 1870s claimed another big away win at Bedworth. The Hereford side scored 35 unanswered points and remain in the runner’s up position in the table.

Try scorers at Bedworth were: Rhys Proctor x2, Tom Broad, Levi Hughes and Nathan Watkins , five conversions were landed by Ben Wood.