Stourbridge Lions travelled to Hereford on Saturday with some key players missing. After a frustrating game the previous week they were keen to show good discipline and not give away too many penalties, which they managed throughout. Hereford were the better team on the day and won 57-22. A score that suggests they were the stronger team by far however this is not indicative of the game. The home side capitalised on any gaps in the Stourbridge Lions’ defence and the visitors came agonisingly close to scoring tries on a number of occasions but overall the teams were fairly evenly matched. All substitutes were needed due to injuries; the first within 10min of the start.

Stourbridge Lions started well and they were the first to get points on the board. A try scored by Elliot Hopkin after Jack Noott managed to offload mid tackle, 22m from the try line, meant the visitors were leading by five after the same number of minutes. However, this was to be the only time they lead, with Hereford scoring a try 5minutes later, and a further two tries in the following 15minutes. A penalty, successfully converted by Sam Wilson, just before half time, meant the first half ended 19-8 with all to play for.

Hereford started strongly in the first half and scored twice in the first 10min and another 10minutes later. With the score at 40-8 and over 20minutes left on the clock the Lions had to dig deep and showed true character as their heads never went down once. They were rewarded with their efforts with a try scored 5minutes later. A lineout came out to Simon Daws before being passed to Alfie Smith, who both carried well throughout the game. Scrum half Andy Slater gained possession and his slight frame and nimble feet were too quick for the four Hereford defenders, who failed to stop him. The score now 40-15. In the next 15min Hereford scored two more tries before Phil Bowden ran down the wing and scored the Lions’ third try. Hereford scored their eighth just before the final whistle to end the game 57-22. Despite the score there were many positives to be taken away from the game and the Lions will be looking for a win against Sutton Coldfield this weekend.

Match report and pics by Sian Davies