1st XV vs Hereford 19 October 2019 - KC 14 Hereford 24

KCs improved performance continued with this game. After having led for over half the game and controlled much of the play; KC must be wondering how they managed to lose, particularly after leading 14-10 with 10 minutes remaining.
Within 5 minutes of the start Hereford forwards were pressing the KC line and KC could not prevent a Hereford rolling maul from going over for a try. KC were galvanised by this reverse and began to dominate much of the possession, with both the forwards and backs playing well and continually testing the Hereford defence. KC eventually took the lead with a well taken try by Matt Parker, converted by Andy McLellan. They continued to have territorial advantage and at one point gained four consecutive penalties close to the Hereford line. With a minute to go to half time KC were awarded a penalty in their own 22 and a good clearance kick found touch. Unfortunately KC then lost their own line out and Hereford went through the phases to score an unconverted try taking the half time score to 7-10.
The second half began with both sides playing well, KC continuing to have territorial advantage and looking dangerous. Several powerful runs from Rob Phillips and notable ground was also gained through Matt Rigsby, Tom Mayer and Simon Clarke.
KC had tried unsuccessfully to get the ball to Ryan Tiene in space and eventually they succeeded and he scored a solo try, waving his arm in celebration before crossing the line – luckily for him he did not drop the ball! Andy McLellan kicked the conversion to give KC a 14-10 lead.
With six minutes to go KC failed to clear a well taken ball in their 22 and gifting possession to Hereford allowed their big forwards to score a converted try. KC came back to pile more pressure on Hereford whose defence was continually tested. With a minute left on the clock and Kidderminster committed to attack an error allowed Hereford to score a breakaway try from their own 22. This was converted and the final whistle gave the game to Hereford, many of their spectators said that KC had outplayed them and deserved to have won.
The team must be proud of the way they played; continue like this and the first win must come. For the future game management is a discipline that needs careful attention to ensure that they don’t allow a team back into the game.
Bob Davies