WORCESTER Rugby Club's Spartans under 16s lost 24-12 to local rivals Hereford after being reduced to 14 men during the second half.

On an unseasonably warm morning, a much-improved Hereford side showed their physicality from the off.

They hammered at the Worcester line before going over for the first converted try on eight minutes despite some brave defence.

Worcester persisted with their attack which bore little fruit in their misguided policy of bashing Hereford’s heavier defence.

Some wasteful hands and ferocious tackling saw the ball changing sides by the phase.

But sweet movement and a cool pass saw Worcester’s Matt Keyte finally break from 10 metres to run over the Spartans’ first try which was converted by Joe Wilson.

A switch in tactics and volleyball passing gave Worcester another in the corner unconverted but it was cancelled out with ominous efficiency by Hereford.

With the brutal pace of the game the interval could not come too soon and it seemed tiring Hereford legs had the momentum marginally.

Worcester began the second spell with verve and seemed to be lining something up but nothing came.

The pendulum began to swing the other way as the relentless physicality of the game took its toll and replacements were made.

Hereford’s brute strength and sheer determination finally told with a pair of tries as the game entered the final quarter with the second effort a ruthless pillage down the wing from the restart.

Soon afterwards the uncompromising nature of the game momentarily boiled over and both sides were shown cards with the Worcester right-hand lock sent off for a second infringement.

Down to 14 men and trailing by 12 points, Worcester did well to remain competitive until the final whistle which was greeted by spectators with an audible sigh of relief.

Spartans lost to a better side but can look to their next fixture at home to Ross-on-Wye on October 29 with much positivity.