Stoke 13 pts Hereford 15 pts HEREFORD put an end to Stoke’s three-game winning run by completing a Midlands One West double over their Potteries opponents.

Hereford produced a good all round performance and battled back from a 10-7 half-time deficit to leave coach Mark Harris delighted.

“We dogged out a good win with sound defensive play, not very pretty, but a credit to the whole squad,” he said.

“The attitude was great, heads did not drop when going behind and the determination to get a result was exemplary.”

Hereford pressed early on and a forward drive enabled Alex Hickinbotham to go over for the first try, which Charlie Loughman converted.

The Hereford pack continued in control but several penalties were conceded at the breakdown and Chis Rowley reduced the deficit when he landed a penalty.

After 32 minutes, Ali McColl was yellow-carded for killing the ball and the hosts were able to exploit the man over to change ends with a narrow lead.

Tom Hughes touched down for a try to which Chris Rowley added the extra points.

After the break, the Wyesiders contined to concede penalties and Chris Rowley was able to increase the Stoke lead with a second successful kick.

Hereford responded with a Charlie Loughman penalty and, with time running out, after 71 minutes, Hereford were awarded a penalty close to the Stoke line and skipper Jamie Bullock made a brave call opting to take a scrum.

The Hereford forwards drove the scrum across the Stoke line for Jonathan Smith to touch down for the winning score.

l Hereford’s young second string put up a brave performance in going down by 20 points to 15 to their Stoke counterparts in a Reserve league game.