HEREFORD RFC head coach Scott Sturdy took his team back to Whitchurch, where he previously coached for nine years.

Sturdy was looking for an improved performance from his team and he got it, but not quite enough to get the first win of the season as they fell 23-18.

In the first half Whitchurch, starting with a couple of early scores, built up a 16-point lead at 20-6.

With some hard work and good play, the Wyesiders pulled back to 23-18 in the second half but, were unable to recover totally from their early deficit.

“Another difficult day at the office” said Sturdy. “The team didn’t start very well, putting themselves under pressure early doors.

“The Whitchurch try, just before half time was a hammer-blow and our defence needs to be better going forward if we are to stay in games for longer.

“The monsoon we played in for the last 20 minutes was the worst I have ever coached in and perhaps the game should have been called early.

“Disappointing to come away with just a losing bonus. The 1870s, put in a great performance at home, a 41-7 result and some very good rugby in difficult conditions.

“Next week is now a real crunch match for the HRFC against Ledbury, away again, a local derby and our backs against the wall. We need to come out fighting and need to improve in some areas.”

Hereford started slowly at Whitchurch and put themselves under pressure, falling behind by 8-0 within ten minutes.

Once they settled down, the Wyesiders responded well and reduced the deficit with two penalty goals from Iwan Holder, playing his first game of the season.

After 30 minutes Hereford put themselves on the back foot, conceding a second try, and just before the interval the hosts added a third try taking the half time score to 20-6.

The response following the interval was excellent and Hereford scored two wonderful tries.

The first by Nathan Boden, who ran a good line and was put through the hole by Jo Vaughan.

This was followed by a try from Iwan Holder, who also converted one of the tries, which took the score to 23-18.

Whitchurch then picked up two yellow cards and things looked very promising for Hereford.

Then the heavens opened up and play continued in rain falling in monsoon style with thunder and lightning.

Hereford failed to show the composure in the last 20 minutes, or make the right decisions in the conditions necessary to get the job done.

There were no further scores and the game ended in favour of Whitchurch, with Hereford earning a losing bonus point.

The scorers for the 1870s at home to Edwardians were: tries, Lewis Jordan x2 and one each for Lewis Goodridge, Jake Smithers, Luke Yarranton, Neil Clark and George Russell. Sam Roberts kicked three conversions.

Next week’s fixtures see the 1870s at home to Dudley Kingswinford and the HRFC travel to Ledbury, the kick off time for each game is 3pm.