HEREFORD 20, DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 8.

A disappointing showing from Dudley Kingswinford at Hereford ended their unbeaten start to the season as they came unstuck 20-8.

The non-availability of Gareth Davies, Simon Fletcher, Tui Asi Pito and John Fallon meant enforced changes for DK. Tom Weaver came in at outside centre, Jak Davis was on the right wing and Chris Bartley was at blindside flanker. The front five had a very good day; Adam Blackford took a heel against the head, Ollie Shakespeare had another good game and fellow lock and skipper Ben Connett was at his imperious best in the line out.

The hosts missed an early penalty but took the lead after 12 minutes.

Dudley were caught napping by Hereford hooker Gareth Miles’ quick throw in and before they could react the ball was whipped out to right wing Adan Gwnne who scored a good try in the corner.

Fly-half Dean Powell kicked a fine conversion for the home side to lead 7-0.

DK hit back and dominated possession for a while but were unable to provide a decent platform for their backs and Powell increased Hereford’s lead to 10-0 with a 29th minute penalty.

The visitors continued to win good territory and possession but flattered to deceive as they effectively squandered it, either committing basic errors or losing the ball in contact.

Robbie Harlow reduced the arrears with a 34th minute penalty and it remained at 10-3 up until half time.

The home side again began strongly, their ability to quickly tap and run penalties gave DK problems but the visitors again got back into the game and came very close to a try after 51 minutes when Andy McEwen drove powerfully to the line only to knock on just short.

Harlow narrowly missed a penalty after 63 minutes but further DK pressure brought a try after 65 minutes. A poor Hereford defensive kick was taken by Harlow who sent McEwen away, his tremendous break set up an attacking ruck inside the home 22 and the ball was spun out to centre Tom Weaver who did well to break a couple of tackles to score an unconverted try wide out to bring DK back into contention at 10-8.

DK looked set for a grandstand finish and they got one but not in the way they would have wished when a violent touchline incident took place with Hereford’s left winger Sean Day touching down on 71 minutes as it happened.

At 15-8 down DK should still have been in the hunt but the situation had clearly got to them and Hereford ran the ball out of defence three minutes later for Day to send in centre Adam Knight for the victory clinching try.