Hereford 40 Kenilworth 17: Heroic backs-to-the-wall display from Kenilworth as injuries take their toll

The opening exchanges saw the home side go straight into attack mode and this was to be the theme for the next 20 minutes.

Despite the battering, the Kenilworth line held firm and it was not until a game-ending injury for Gareth Renowden and a reorganisation around the half-backs that Hereford’s pressure finally told.

Their opening try, in the 25th minute, was quickly followed by a second as a spilt ball in midfield handed possession back to Hereford, who courtesy of slick hands in their backs countered at pace for a try in the corner and a 12-0 lead.

Stung by these two rapid scores, Kenilworth attacked from the restart and made good ground to the 22 before Lowthian smashed through the home defence to get within five metres of the line.

Multiple offside calls against the home defence finally resulted in a penalty kick which Kendall converted to put the visitors on the scoreboard.

This proved a temporary lull as the restart produced a set scrum from where the Hereford forwards conjured up a fine move to put the openside flanker over near the posts.

Kenilworth were now desperately trying to get back onto the front foot but Alex Selby’s attempted chip over the defence was intercepted and the impressive Hereford backs worked the ball to the right wing to score again.

The successful conversion made it 26-3.

From the restart Ks used possession well and built the phases before Harry Gibson scythed through the defence from second receiver to get within three metres of the line. A number of pick-and-drives saw Hereford encroach and, with advantage being played, Dan Roberts crashed over from short range for the visitors’ first try. Kendall successfully converted and the score was back to 26-10 as half-time was signalled.

From the restart, Hereford were immediately on the attack and looked to have a certain try but outstanding defence kept them out.

Despite the loss of Ed Hannam with a shoulder injury, Kenilworth’s efforts were undiminished but with some key decision-makers missing and players out of position it was always going to be difficult against such well-drilled opponents.

One such Hereford counter by the mightily impressive Goodall resulted in him converting his own excellent try to make the score 33-10.

With the result confirmed, the game lost its tempo and the deadlock was only broken by another impressive display of ball handling by the Hereford backs to send out the scoring to 40-10.

An injury to Selby meant another reshuffle for Ks, who had the final word when superb work and interplay by the forwards resulted in a try for Jake Dodd.