HEREFORD RFC head coach Scott Sturdy says that his side have lessons to learn after losing their opening game 26-12 at Shipston-on-Stour.

The Wyesiders, who gave four young players their senior debuts were unlucky to be five points behind at half-time before the hosts built on their score and quickly increased their lead.

However, it was Hereford who took an early lead moving the ball swiftly through six pairs of hands before Harrison Colgan crossed in the corner for his debut try.

Josh Wright’s conversion gave Hereford a seven-point lead and the momentum, which unfortunately, they soon lost.

From the re-start, a Hereford error gifted the ball to Shipston and they touched down for a try behind the posts.

Shipston scored another try just before the interval and changed ends with a 12-7 advantage.

Shipston started the second half with a brace of converted tries taking the score to 26-7.

Hereford’s task was made harder by several injuries.

The Wyesiders reset and after several penalties Drew Price went over in the corner, taking the final score to 26-12.

Head coach Sturdy said: “How well four of last year’s Colts stepped up for the first time, both wingers scored a try on their senior debut which is amazing.

“Shipston are very improved side from last season, they have injected new blood and are a very fit side.

“We let ourselves down in a number of ways, especially around the contact area and there is plenty to work on over the next few weeks.

“Overall, a disappointing performance in terms of contact, management and attitude, all things we shall have to work on in the next few weeks.”

The 1870s had an excellent 55-0 win over a strong Kings Norton.

The 1870 try scorers were: Sam Roberts x2, Harvey Vaughan x2, Lewis Goodridge, Ben Hyde, Tom Denny, James Patterson and Matt Milsom. Meanwhile, Ben Wood kicked three conversions and Sam Roberts two.

On Friday evening the club’s Lions team travels to Kingsland to take on Luctonians fourths.

Hereford have their first home league game of the season on Saturday against Edwardians and the 1870s travel to Old Yardleians.