Hereford

On a lovely spring morning we all made the long journey to Hereford RFC for our last game of the season before tour. The trip was well worth it as the club is in a glorious setting in the shadows of Hereford Cathedral.

The game kicked off and Sils were immediately under pressure. A well organised Hereford team shipping the ball very well through their backs and contesting well at the breakdown led to the first score of the match to them. The conversion however was unsuccessful.
This looked like it was going to be a tough game but the boys once again did what they have been doing all season, composed their thoughts and began to play intelligent , hard rugby.
Our first try went to Ethan, who received the ball after some great work by our pack to secure ball and after linking well with Jacob crossed the line. Conversion by Elliot adding the additional two points.
Next score went to Haani, who after a fantastic strong run by Nathan and some good handling by the Sils backs, took the ball to register our second. Elliot again converting.
Hereford continued to press hard but couldn't seem to link any attacking phases together.
Sils forwards continued to work as hard as ever and won an awful lot of ball for our backs to work with.
Next on the score sheet was Jacob. Some aggressive rugby from him saw him steal the ball and go on a strong run to score in the corner.
We unfortunately had to lose Harri Burke, who sustained a hefty blow to his mouth and had to leave the field after putting in a good shift once again.
Final try of the half went to Jamie. A strong run by Ethan straight up the middle of the park saw Jamie running a lovely supporting line to receive and go over in the corner.
Elliot converting well from a tight angle.

First half
Hereford 5 Sils 33

A few changes at half time saw the whole of the travelling squad seeing some game time.
Hereford appeared to be as fired up at the start of this half as the first, some hard and committed rugby being played by both sides.
First score of the half went to Ross, who after a nice pick and go by Max took the ball to go crashing over after another great Sils scrum in the opposition's 22.
Sils were now playing with a maturity beyond their years. It doesn't seem to matter who is on the pitch, this team always play as a complete unit and have a total understanding and belief in their own team mates.
This was so apparent when Sils forwards turned over 3 successive scrums. Our tight 5 exerting such power that Hereford struggled to retain ball even on their own put in.
Second try of this half went to Ben Smith. A strong run from Ben Maguire saw our backs executing it all, dummy runners and missed player passes, what a joy to watch. Smithy finally receiving to cross for a lovely try. Elliot duly converting.
Haani once again then added his name to the score sheet. A strong carry from Jack Hateley saw the breakdown dominated by our pack and the ball emerging for Haani to receive a long looping pass from Jacob to cross the line for his second of the day.
Last score of the game went to Jacob. Once again some great interlinking play through the backs saw him back himself and take on a few Hereford defenders to go over in the corner. Elliot converting once again after an exceptional kicking display all day.

I think all parents involved with this squad would agree that when a team of lads put on a display of rugby to this degree then a trip to the other end of the country would be justified. This was a great end to an unbeaten season for our squad and was, as always, a pleasure to watch. We look forward to another great season next year!

Final Score:
Hereford 5 Sils 59

GW