Whitchurch 41 vs Hereford 0

Mighty Hereford, the major city with a huge population and a proud rugby heritage, were humbled by Whitchurch, the small market town with a growing reputation as a rugby powerhouse. The visitors arrived fifth in League One of the North Midlands (West) but were obliterated by a Shropshire side full of courage, skill and aggression. 

Things seemed almost even for the first fifteen minutes, but a move of intricate passing saw Danny Nicholas go over in the corner. His own conversion was missed but the home side led by 5 – nil, a lead they never looked like losing. A wonderful break by Isaac Wilding enabled Jonathon Cope to make space for the indubitable Steve Bloor to cross. The conversion by Nicholas made clear water between the teams. Bloore was again on the score sheet as he finished off a rolling maul. 

With the conversion missed, we expected to go into the half time break, but the reds were not going to allow their shell-shocked opponents off and they came straight back from the kick off to score again.  

Nicholas kicked the conversion from out wide and the half time score was 24 -  nil to Whitchurch. 

          The second half started slowly with some desperate defence by Hereford, but this was broken in the 71st minute when a catch and drive ended with Tom Stone touching down. Minutes later, Whitchurch showed their flair, and a scintillating try was finished off by James Marvell to allow Nicholas to add to the points. In the dying seconds, a ruthless show of exhibition rugby was finished off by Jack Rowley in the right-hand corner. Final score Whitchurch 41 pts -  Hereford 0 pts. 

          This was a magnificent performance by the Shropshire lads and will have sent shock waves through the league. Whitchurch Firsts are away at Ludlow next Saturday with the red men looking for revenge for their early season defeat.