We spoke with Head Coach, Leigh Jones to discuss the 2023 season, progress on the pitch and how we are looking ahead to 2024.
First of all congratulations on a record breaking season and also for the promotion to head coach. But going back to the start, what were your expectations for the season just gone?
LJ: Thanks! Considering it was only our 2nd proper season in the national leagues (we don’t really count the disrupted 2021 “COVID” season), we went in with very high expectations indeed. In 2022, we had only 2 losses – both to a quality Northants team that went on to be promoted. The 2nd of those 2 losses was very close, so we felt confident that we could compete for a playoff place at minimum.
WR #3 JJ Spencer with an athletic catch to pull down a pass at home to Cornwall Monarchs
It was a mixed season in terms of opponents with some familiar, some new and some distances travelled. How did you find the away game travel?
LJ: Away fixtures in this league always represent a challenge, but 8-9 hour round trips to Cornwall and Kent are even bigger challenges. Our players and support staff deserve a lot of credit for not shying away from the long journeys and making sure those games were actually very well attended. It’s difficult to get your brain and body engaged in such a physical sport after a really early start and a 4-5 hour bus ride, but the players gave it their all both times.
When the opportunity arose mid season to step up as HC, what were your initial thoughts?
LJ: I’ve never hidden that I wanted to be a head coach one day, so I was very proud to be asked to do it in my home town for a club I’ve been involved with for as long as I have. At the time, though, the thought process was not a lot more than “we’ve started the season well, we need to keep this going”.
It was obviously a long season, with many accomplishments, but what was the most memorable or defining moment of the year for you?
LJ: For me, there are two from this season that I will remember for a very long time: James Sirrell’s interception in the dying seconds of a close home game vs Ouse Valley to secure the win was absolutely wild. The other was Blaine Smith’s 65 yard TD run on the 1st play in our 1st ever playoff game, that was an incredible moment.
Looking ahead to the upcoming off season, what will be your main areas of focus?
LJ: It’s a bit of a cliché answer, but; building on the success of last season. We’re an ambitious group, but it’s my job to make sure everyone is paying attention to the process. It starts by practising with a purpose, being prepared mentally and physically for the regular season.
RB #45 Blaine Smith breaks free on the opening play for a touchdown in our first ever playoff game vs Swindon Storm.
For anyone interested in joining the Stampede or wanting to see what the club is about, what would your advice be?
LJ: Whether you want to test yourself physically with a new sport or you’re a fan keen to try it out (or both) or a current player looking for a team in the area, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find a group of players with a lot of passion for Football, tonnes of ambition and terrific sense of camaraderie.
RESULT: Stampede 64 Worcestershire Black Knights 0
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Sunday 7th August saw the Stampede made the short travel to local rivals Worcestershire Black Knights in what was the teams third meeting of the season, Hereford winning the past two matchup’s in convincing fashion. The Hereford Stampede were looking to finish the season with a statement win and show why players, coaches, and volunteers should be part of our organisation in the 2023 season.
With the game be played in scorching temperatures the Stampede were looking to crank up the heat on the field and start strong. Hereford lost the coin toss and Worcester elected to receive and start on offence. After the kick-off the Stampede defence came onto the field first and started strongly with two tackles for losses and on the third play of the game recovered a fumble after a Black Knights running back lost control of the ball at the hand off. A player who has featured heavily this year, DB Sean Radburn came up with the recovery and put the Stampede offence on the gridiron in good field position.
After a dominant defensive start the Stampede offence were looking to take advantage and they did just that after some smash mouth football, running the ball down the throat of the Black Knights. The impressive drive was finished off by RB Blaine Smith from short yardage and kicked off the scoreboard, 0-6 to the Stampede. The two point conversion was not converted.
After the kick off the WBK offence took to the field looking to make amends for their first drive of the game but came out with the same outcome as the first, fumbling to ball which was recovered by DL Tim Wikner. The Stampede couldn’t take advantage of this and even fumbled the ball back into the possession of Worcester and some good progress downfield.
Hereford defence took to the field once again and continued to prove this side of the ball was extremely tough to play against, with tackles flying in. The Worcester offence rolled the dice on third down but were intercepted by DB Jake Cassidy who returned the interception twenty yards and showing brilliant athleticism by hurdling a Black Knights defender. Not to be outdone by the Stampede defence the offence came back out and scored the second score of the game with another rushing touchdown for RB Blaine Smith, 0-12. The resulting extra two points were converted by DE and heavy package specialist Dan Ellis making the score 0-14.
After the second score of the game Worcester were looking to change the tide but the Stampede defence weren’t having any of it, DB Sean Radburn came up with the interception after a lofted pass and returned it all the way for a touchdown after some great blocking by the Stampede defence, 0-20. The two extra points were converted by RB Blaine Smith, 0-22.
It went from bad to worse as the Worcester offence came back on the field and fumbled on the second play as it was recovered by LB Joey Assirati. This turnover wasn’t converted by Hereford as possession was almost immediately given back to the Black Knights after an errant deep pass was intercepted by the Worcester defence. With the possession back with WBK they looked to get out of bad field position by passing the ball through the air but after great pressure by the Stampede defensive line the ball was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by LB Joey Assirati making it 0-28 to the Stampede. The following two extra points were converted by WR Hector Kidwell with a pass from QB Steve Hall, 0-30.
After the Stampede score the ball went back into the hands of Worcester but it was much of the same story as the first play resulted in a sack for DL Tim Wikner. Then on the second play of the drive the ball was snapped before the Black Knights QB was ready and the ball was pounced upon by LB Joey Assirati, giving possession back to Hereford.
Starting in great field position the Stampede made quick work of increasing the score line with a rushing touchdown for WR Chris Morse. The Stampede attempted to convert the two extra points but were unsuccessful on this occasion, 0-36 Stampede. This brought about a rolling clock for the remainder of the game.
Worcester now back with possession of the ball they started well on offence with a tough run down the middle and a WR screen pass, gaining some much needed yards. This positivity was short lived as they tried to pitch the ball to their running back but was fumbled again after more pressure from the dominant Hereford defensive line. DE Dan Ellis after a couple of attempts recovered the fumble in the Worcester end zone to increase the score line to 0-42. The conversion was waltzed in again by RB Blaine Smith, 0-44.
Although the scoreboard was getting away from Worcester they came out fighting once again, they gained good yardage across the ground only to be undone when trying to complete a pass which was intercepted by DB Mike McNeil, handing back possession to Hereford.
The Stampede were out to make a statement and wanted to add to the score line, they did just that after QB Steve Hall found WR Hector Kidwell on a corner route for a 30 yard completion. With Hereford not having much ground to make before reaching the end zone the ball was handed off to RB Blaine “the train” Smith for another rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 0-50.
The Stampede defence were playing at new levels in this game and produced another turnover with an interception by DB Jake Cassidy after Worcester looked to pass the ball through the air. The Hereford offence weren’t to be outdone by the defensive side of the ball and made light work of scoring another touchdown through that man again, RB Blaine Smith for his 4th touchdown of the day! Not that he hadn’t scored enough points in the game, RB Blaine Smith added two more on the conversion pushing the score line to 0-58 to Hereford.
The Worcester offence came out for the last drive of the game and were stopped time and time again by the Stampede defence. They punted the ball away after three failed attempts at 10 yards which landed in the hands of DB Jake Cassidy. With this being Jake’s last game for the Stampede he was looking to finish off with a bang and he did just so. Returning the punt to the end zone for a touchdown and putting the final nail in the coffin of the Black Knights. What a way to finish your playing career at the Stampede! The final score being 0-64 to Hereford.
The Stampede finish off their inaugural competitive league season 6-2 and look ahead to the 2023 season.
Notable Performances
Touchdowns
1 – Chris Morse
4 – Blaine Smith
1 – Dan Ellis
1 – Sean Radburn
1 – Joey Assirati
1 – Jake Cassidy
2 pt Conversions
1 – Dan Ellis
3 – Blaine Smith
1 – Hector Kidwell
Interceptions
1 – Sean Radburn
2 – Jake Cassidy
1 – Joey Assirati
1 – Mike McNeil
Fumble Recovery
1 – Tim Wikner
2 – Joey Assirati
1 – Dan Ellis
1 – Jakub Szałaśny
1 – Sean Radburn
Sacks
2 – Tim Wikner
0.5 – Will Nicholls
0.5 – Dan Ellis
RESULT: Stampede 20 Worcestershire Black Knights 0
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This was the second meeting between the Hereford Stampede and Worcestershire Black Knights in the 2022 BAFA league season. The Hereford Stampede were 1-0 up in this the matchup between the two sides after an earlier season win 36-6. The Stampede came into this game in great form, off the back of 3 convincing wins and were looking to get another digit in the win column. Worcester also in high spirits after recording their first win in 4 years after an upset against Swindon Storm two weeks prior.
Hereford Stampede started with the ball with the offence coming out with an aggressive ground game. With the Stampede making positive yards across the ground they looked to get the ball moving through the air. After a successful pass to a Stampede WR Chris Morse he made a few players miss but fumbled the ball just before the end zone, giving possession to Worcestershire.
With the stampede gaining recognition across the league for their strong defensive performances they started strong with a tackle for loss coming from DL Luke ‘Lofty’ Griffiths. With the Black Knights losing yards on their offensive plays they were looking to gain field position with a punt but this was subsequently blocked and incredibly caught by LB James Sirrell, who claimed the first touchdown of the game. Hereford Stampede 6-0.
With possession back with Worcestershire the Stampede defence again were on top and ended the Black Knights drive with a sack by LB James Sirrell. The Stampede offence started poorly and were intercepted on the first play back with the ball. This seemed to spur on the Hereford defence and it was much of the same story from the Worcestershire offence, with another sack on their QB by LB Joshua Bolland and DE Aaron Eggerton’s combined effort.
Stampede started well with with the ball back in their possession with a pass down the middle of the Worcestershire defence but this quickly ended with an interception for the Black Knights. After a couple of runs with very little gain, Worcestershire fumbled the ball on a running play which was recovered by DL Will Nicholls. The Stampede offence weren’t able to add to the scoreboard and punted the ball away to the Black Knights.
On their first play of the drive they were intercepted by DB Sean Radburn who returned it for 30 yards, sadly tackled just before getting to the whitewash of the end zone. The Stampede attempted to run the ball into the end zone with time expiring in the half but weren’t able to before the halftime whistle.
The second half started with Worcestershire possessing the ball but started off in the same vein as the first half with the Stampede defence asserting their dominance. With the Hereford offence stuttering in the first half they came out looking to iron out the errors in the second, which started with great running from RB James Sirrell and RB Pete Smith. Then a pass downfield to TE Dave Seymour on a deep crossing route brought Hereford within touching distance of the end zone.
With the short yardage situation the Stampede offence went with a QB sneak which saw QB Stephen Hall in the end zone, doubling the lead to 12-0. Hereford went for two extra points and with the dancing feet of RB James Sirrell secured the score. Hereford 14-0.
Worcester back with possession and looking to get some offence going were hit immediately with another sack for LB Joshua Bolland. Hereford responded on the ground with RB Pete Smith breaking multiple tackles and gaining great yardage. With a quick slant caught by WR Alex Payne in the red zone the Stampede offence could smell another touchdown looming.
The scoreboard was then added to again by QB Stephen Hall running the ball into the end zone making it 20-0 to the home side.
This brought about the full time whistle. The Stampede have now gained 4 wins on the bounce and move to 5-2 on the 2022 season. Next game sees the Stampede travel to Droitwich RFC on Sunday 7th August, where they’ll be looking to end the season on a high and bring home the Betty Pope Memorial Trophy.
Notable Performances
Touchdowns
1 – James Sirrell
2 – Stephen Hall
2 pt Conversions
1 – James Sirrell
Interceptions
1 – Sean Radburn
Fumble Recovery
1 – Will Nicholls
Sacks
1.5 – Josh Bolland
1 – James Sirrell
1 – Russ Field
0.5 – Aaron Egerton
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Stampede extend agreement and secure home venue for 2023 and 2024
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Hereford Stampede Chairman Stephen Hall (right) with Ledbury RFC President Roger Bateson
Hereford Stampede have this week signed an extension to their agreement with Ledbury RFC which will see them train and play their home fixtures at the Ross Road ground for the 2023 and 2024 season.
After hosting one fixture in the 2020 season and another 4 home games in the 2021 season, discussions were held with a view of making the club the longer term home for the Stampede.
Stampede Chairman – Stephen Hall commented,
“We are very pleased to have signed up for another two season at Ledbury. The facilities are fantastic and we have felt so welcome since moving here. Visiting teams and officials have often made comments about how nice it is to play here.”
He added:
“When we were offered another 2 years, I had to jump at the chance.”
The Stampede start their off season recruitment sessions at Ledbury RFC on Sunday September 18th with one of 5 sessions throughout the winter aimed at newcomers and returners to the sport. These sessions will be tailored around giving potential players a taste of the sport in preparation for pre season in January. All welcome – no experience required – equipment provided.
For more information, get in touch via hereford.stampede@gmail.com or via our CONTACT US page.
FIXTURE: Stampede to host ‘The Sauce’ in game week 7
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Sunday 17th July sees Hereford Stampede welcome Worcestershire Black Knights to Ledbury RFC for the first time this season for the return fixture of the Stampede’s 36-6 win back in May.
Hereford are 4-2 for the year and 3 weeks removed from a 40-0 away win at Swindon which granted them a guaranteed winning season. The first time in competitive league football since entering in 2020.
Worcestershire are coming off the back of their first league win in 4 years after a 20-12 victory at home to Swindon Storm. A renewed vigour within the Black Knights roster will guarantee an entertaining fixture.
Kick off at 14.00 at Ledbury RFC – HR8 2LP
RESULT: Stampede 40 Swindon Storm 0
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This was the third meeting between the two teams this season and was coming off the back of a Stampede victory, 54-0.
The ball started off with the home team Swindon Storm but the first drive came to nothing after great pressure from the defensive line of the Hereford Stampede. After the turnover of possession, Hereford started in good field position. The drive began with a stutter but soon picked up pace as the Stampede resumed where they left off in the team previous meeting. A huge run from QB Steve Hall making his way into the end zone and kicking off the scoring. Hereford 6 – Swindon 0
With the ball back in the Storm’s possession, they were met by a heavy run defence which lead to a punt. Hereford couldn’t take advantage of this strong work and the ball was fumbled after a low snap which was recovered by the Storm. Swindon’s drive started with a Stampede tackle for loss by DE Aaron Egerton.
The Storm’s offensive drive came to nothing and resulted in a punt which landed in the hands of Stampede danger man WR JJ Spencer who reversed his run and made a 60 yard punt return for a touchdown. Hereford went for two extra points which was converted by RB Blaine Smith, 0-14.
Storm’s offence were shooting blanks after more defensive stability from the Stampede. Hereford got the changeover of possession and started to ram the ball down the opposition’s throat with an aggressive running attack after a long pass downfield to TE Dave Seymour which gave Hereford strong field position. This was converted after a pitch to RB Pete Smith who made his way to the end zone increasing the score by six points, 0-20.
Things went from bad to worse for the home team after the kick-off return was fumbled and recovered by Stampede LB Joey Assirati. With the ball back in Hereford hands, the Stampede looked to capitalise with a short pass to WR JJ Spencer who gained good yardage after a mazy run and some missed tackles. After a positive start to the drive it ended in a Stampede fumble which was recovered by Swindon.
Hereford took back possession after continued defensive pressure but were immediately forced to play defence after an interception by Swindon. This didn’t stop the Stampede defence from bringing pressure and resulted in a sack for DE Luke Loft-Griffiths.
HS started the next drive with a swing pass to RB Pete Smith who danced his way through the Storm defence. The score line increased for the Stampede after a pitch to RB BlaineSmith who tip toed his way down the side-line all the way to the end zone. This was then converted for two extra points through a pass to WR JJ Spencer ending the half with the away team with full control, 0-28 to the Stampede.
The second half began in Storm’s possession. They started well with a long pass down the side-line which was stopped by a score saving tackle by Stampede DB Jake Cassidy. With good field position the home team looked to take advantage but weren’t able to do so with multiple tackle for losses by the Stampede defence and a pass break up on 4th down.
Hereford Stampede got their opening drive of the half and started strong after a run by QB Steve Hall. Hall then threw a bullet of a pass down the middle to TE Dave Seymour. On this occasion Hereford didn’t get any points on the board despite good progress into opposing territory.
With Swindon looking to make their way up the field they focussed on the passing game but were intercepted by DB Dan Harris who brought it all the way to the end zone for 6 and made Stampede history with our first ever competitive league pick 6, increasing the score line to 0-34.
After another defensive shut out by the Stampede defence it resulted in a punt by Swindon. It was that man again WR JJ Spencer who returned the punt for 40 yards following a highlight reel block by DB Dan Harris.
After two wall breaking runs by RB Blaine Smith the ball was pushed into the end zone for the final time with a QB run by QB Steve Hall, 0-40 to the Stampede.
The game then came to a close and gave the Stampede another convincing win over league veterans the Swindon Storm.
Stampede are now 4-2 in the BAFA 2022 season and look forward to a home game against local rivals Worcestershire Black Knights at Ledbury Rugby Club on Sunday 17th July, 1400 kick off.
Notable Performances
Touchdowns
1 – Jay Jay Spencer
1 – Blaine Smith
1 – Pete Smith
1 – Dan Harris
2 – Stephen Hall
2 pt Conversions
1 – Jay Jay Spencer
1 – Blaine Smith
Interceptions
1 – Dan Harris
Fumble Recovery
1 – Joey Assirati
Head Coach’s View: Stampede vs Swindon
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Vice Chair Pippa Field sat down with Head Coach Eddie Dobson after the Stampede’s emphatic win over the Swindon Storm to hear his thoughts on the performance.
RESULT: Stampede 54 Swindon Storm 0
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June 5th saw the Hereford Stampede host the returning Swindon Storm on an overcast Jubilee Sunday. The first game was a close matchup between the teams which ended in a 9-8 victory to the Stampede. This game was built up for another close affair, with the Storm coming for revenge.
The game started much like a boxing match with both teams trading jabs and sussing out their opponents. After a few failed drives from the Stampede offense, the game kicked into life after a 40 yard punt return from WR JJ Spencer. This was then taken advantage of by RB Blaine Smith for a 30 yard rushing TD after breaking multiple tackles, with the games first score, 6-0 to the Stampede.
Swindon’s offense couldn’t reply to the opening score of the game and were stopped by the Stampede defense, which brought about the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Stampede offense looked to build on their opening score but a pass was intercepted by the Swindon Storm defense. This again resulted in a stuttered offensive drive by the Storm.
With possession back in the hands of the Stampede offense, everything started to click with both the running and passing attack on full display. A play action pass from QB Stephen Hall connected with TE Dave Seymour who found himself all alone in the end zone for touchdown number 2. A successful 2 point conversion extended the lead to 14-0.
Storm tried to reignite their running attack with possession back in their hands but were stuffed by the Stampede defense. This brought out the special team unit for Swindon who were forced to punt the ball away. The punt was caught by WR JJ Spencer who dialled up the play of the day with a mazy 60 yard punt return to make the score, 20-0 to the home team.
The Hereford dominance continued after two tackles for losses and a blocked punt by DL Dan Ellis, which was then recovered on 10 the yard line. With great field position the Stampede took full advantage gaining another TD through a QB sneak from QB Stephen Hall to make it 26-0. This brought an end to the half with the Stampede very much on top.
After the restart, the story was much the same with the Stampede defense forcing their will upon the opponent. Stampede LB Joshua Bolland forced a fumble which was recovered by DL Bernie Hackshaw. It was that man again RB Blaine Smith who converted the short field position after bullish blocking by the Stampede offensive line. A pass from QB Stephen Hall to TE Dave Seymour for the two point conversion made the score line, 34-0.
Both sides of the Stampede team were now in full flow. After a couple of attempts to get the ball into the end zone, Hereford QB Stephen Hall threw a dart to WR Alex Payne on a crossing route for his first ever touchdown. The score now 40-0.
The ball was back in Storm’s possession but it was going nowhere after a sack from LB Pete Smith and a gut wrenching tackle by LB James Sirrell. The Stampede offense was far from finished and produced a rushing touchdown through WR JJ Spencer off a jet sweep. WR Hector Kidwell took advantage of a high snap on the Extra Point attempt to run the ball into the end zone for a 2 point conversion.
The game was coming to a close but Swindon showed fight by forcing their way up the field. After the Storm’s best drive of the game the ball was passed long downfield on the right hand sideline only to be intercepted by Stampede DB Chris Morse.
One final score was secured by the Stampede after more aggressive running by RB Blaine Smith was finished off with a QB dive from QB Stephen Hall bringing the game to a close with a resounding 54-0 win to the Stampede.
Hereford Stampede now go to 3-2 on the BAFA 2022 season. Next fixture sees Hereford travel to Swindon where they’ll be looking to gain another victory.
Notable Performances
Touchdowns
2 – Jay Jay Spencer
2 – Blaine Smith
1 – Dave Seymour
1 – Alex Payne
2 – Stephen Hall
2 pt Conversions
1 – Jay Jay Spencer
1 – Hector Kidwell
1 – Dave Seymour
Interceptions
1 – Chris Morse
Fumble Recovery
1 – Bernie Hackshaw
Sacks
1 – Dan Ellis
1 – Pete Smith
FIXTURE: Stampede to host Swindon Storm in game week 5
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RESULT: Worcestershire Black Knights 6 Stampede 36
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Sunday 29th May saw the Hereford Stampede make the short journey to local rivals Worcestershire Black Knights. The game started slowly with both team’s defences showing their dominance in the first couple of drives.
After a mistake from the WBK special teams punt, the Stampede started in good field position. This seemed to swing the momentum in the Stampede’s favour. After great running from RB Blaine Smith breaking tackles, HS marched their way down the field and punched the ball in through RB Pete Smith.
After the kick off, Stampede LB Joshua Bolland recovered a fumble and gave possession back to the Stampede’s offence. This advantage was then capitalised upon with a rushing TD by RB Blaine Smith.
After the restart of the game, the Stampede defence continued to put the pressure on the opposition after multiple tackle for losses and a sack from defensive DL Dan Ellis. HS then ran the ball in with WR JJ Spencer, taking the ball from the half way line into the end zone.
WBK looked to get back in the game with a pass downfield which was then intercepted by first year DB Sean Radburn which then resulted in another rushing TD by RB Blaine Smith. At the half, the Stampede were leading 28-0.
The second half started but stalled after strong play from both team’s defences. Just before the end of the 3rd quarter, QB Stephen Hall linked up with WR Alex Payne for a long pass down the middle which set up another rushing TD for RB Blaine Smith.
WBK’s offence provided a consolation touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game after a long pass downfield and rushing it in from short yardage. This bought about the full time whistle with a convincing away win for the Stampede, 6 – 36.
Stampede offensive coordinator Leigh Jones commented after the game:
“From an Offensive point of view, it’s always great to score 36 points in a game, but it was especially encouraging that we did it by being so physically dominant with our run game. We weren’t perfect though, we should have scored more points and we should have finished drives earlier and more efficiently. Plenty to improve on going in to the next game, but lots to be encouraged by too.”
Hereford Stampede go 2-2 on the season. Our next fixture is against Swindon Storm on Sunday 5th of June. Kick off 2pm at Ledbury Rugby Club.
