HEREFORD RFC have been working hard on their pre-season training at Wyeside on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August.

Games with other level six clubs, Drybrook and Longlevens, have given the boys some good workouts and the coaches some elements of their game to work on.

Head coach, Scott Sturdy said: “Last season was pretty good. We achieved our main targets, no walkovers, the Lions social team was established, the 1870s finished fourth after promotion the previous season and we were short of a top four slot for the HRFC team by just one point.

“Of the players used in league games 95% were home grown emphasising our aim of local boys playing local rugby.

“Our targets for this year are: No walkovers, consolidating the ladies’ team, a top four spot for the HRFC team, to push on for a top two spot for the 1870s, transition six colts to the senior teams and seven to 10 games for the Lions.

“Focus will be on turning Wyeside into a fortress for both teams and achieving 65% away targets.”

As part of their pre-season preparations Hereford lost to Drybrook at Wyeside by 12-27. The hosts started well and after 14 minutes scored a well worked try from Scott Robinson.

Drybrook responded with an unconverted try and added a second just before half-time taking the score to 7-12.

Team changes ensured all players had a decent amount of game time, but play became untidy.

Drybrook had the better of the second half, adding three more tries to Hereford’s one, through Lennon Fishlock, taking the final score to 12 points to 27.

A mixed group of players took on a strong Longlevens first team and despite losing by 52-14 lessons were learned from an overall tough but productive experience.

Hereford’s tries came from Ewan Hartley one of last year’s colts and Stephan Dyers, new to the club last year, both tries were converted by Josh Wright.

Sturdy added: “We have learned from these two games some specific weaknesses which we need to work on and will be tackling these areas before our first league games next Saturday.

“The positives are that we have been creating chances, we have given 40 players game time and six colts have transitioned to senior rugby. Next week we shall have a number of key players back and we hope that all the hard work put in to training and the preseason games will come to fruition next Saturday when both teams start their league campaigns.

“The HRFC team is away at Shipston on Stour and the 1870s entertain Kings Norton at Wyeside, if you are around, giving the boys your support, it would really be appreciated.”