Old Patesians 2nd XV – 54
Hereford 2nd XV – 0
Old Patesians 2nd XV add another win to the list in a one sided contest against Hereford 2nd XV at Everest Road.
In fierce wind flowing straight down into the bottom corner, Pats elected to play up the hill into the wind in the first half and at first were forced to soak up pressure from the visitors who used the strong wind to find touch deep in the Pats half on numerous occasions. As always the Pats were relentless in defence and were more than a match for the Hereford strike moves. Heath Gunter smashing the Hereford centre at the first opportunity.
The Pats forwards were able to push back the Hereford scrum and steal line out ball more often than they could keep. Hooker Chris Dean was able to hit his jumpers even with the fierce wind and Pats were able to build powerful driving mauls, coupled with effective box kicks from the base by James Aherne. Gethin Evans managed to steal another Hereford lineout deep in the Hereford 22, Aherne using his dancing feet to find his way through a maze of Hereford defenders finally cruising in under the sticks. Conversion followed from fly-half Rob Nock.
The flood gates had opened. Pats now filled with confidence, they now started to put Hereford to the sword. Henry Tapsell collecting the kick off launched a run up field. He linked with winger Ben Tupper, he was bought down in the Hereford 22. Quickly recycled ball found its way again to Aherne who skipped through the Hereford defence again scoring under the posts, Nock adding the conversion.
The Pats forwards were now running with ease through the Hereford defence. Leroy Hughes shot through the line, linking with Tapsell who ran in unopposed, Nock added the conversion.
The backs had been taking note of the forwards powerful running and were keen to show off their skills. They ripped the Hereford defence up with a collection of precise moves.
The centres launching effective crash ball. They used the scrum as a starting platform, and shifted the ball out wide to winger Joe Ballinger who crashed over out on the corner, bringing the half to a close at 26-0. The Patesian coaches had little to complain about after the heart shown rewarded by a healthy score line up the hill, into a very strong wind.
They were further rewarded by a hugely dominant second half display. The confidence level in the team was at a massive peak. Pats looking to strike from everywhere. Opting to run with the ball in hand rather than kick down the slope.
The forwards kept on the front foot throughout. More effective drivng mauls bought them back into the Hereford half, and Tapsell again finding his way over the try line.
The backs again keen to get on the score sheet, launched a series of strike moves, creating gaping holes in the Hereford defence. From the lineout a precise move allowed Tupper to run in unopposed under the posts, Nock added the conversion.
Tries were coming from all areas of the pitch. Pats were able to create attacking play from everywhere. Forwards Bryce White, Leroy Hughes and Chris Dean making hard yards before being bought down allowing quickly recycled ball for further charges. The ball finally find its way to Jack Petelo who crashed through tackles to score in the corner.
Hereford were beginning to get frustrated with the avalanche that was the Pats attack and were punished for their indiscipline as they had a player sin-binned for hands in the ruck. Nock launched the ball downfield and another effective driving maul allowed Petelo to crash over again.
They weren't finished yet.Pats added the final score with another effective backs move found its way to substitute centre John Jeffries and he was able to run in with ample support on his shoulder. Nock again adding with the conversion.
With a tough match next week in the form of Cinderford 3rd XV away, Pats will look to take this momentum with them and hope to continue their undefeated season.
By Pat E Sian
Man of the Match - James Aherne
