Hereford 5 pts Berkswell and Balsall 0.

HEREFORD spokesman Robin Davies had plenty to celebrate after seeing his side gain their third straight Midlands One West success.

“Another dogged win in poor conditions indicates a team which is developing into a good mix of youth and experience,” he said.

“The pack has a solid base with Ben Hillstead, Dave Thomas and Billy Sparey in the front row and with Jamie Bullock and Ali McColl providing the lead to youngsters Jamie Humphreys, Brad Talbot and James Parker.

“The backs were largely limited to a defensive role and scrum-half Billy Grisman gave his usual gritty display.”

There was little surprise that, after the latest spell of poor weather, the ground was more suitable to a forward battle than running rugby.

And it was the Hereford pack who excelled during the early stages, pegging the visitors back into their own half for long periods.

Despite their dominance, Hereford were unable to make the breakthrough and the turnaround saw a blank scoreboard.

Further Hereford pressure marked the start of the second period and, after Charlie Loughman was just short with a penalty attempt, the ball was worked wide following a scrum with James Watters diving over in the corner for the only score of the game. Berkswell responded by producing their best spell of the game but play became bad-tempered in the closing stage with a visiting forward red-carded and Brad Talbot seeing yellow shortly afterwards.

Hereford held on, however, for their third straight win and second consecutive clean sheet ahead of Saturday’s visit of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ledbury continue to chase the mid-table pack in Midlands Three West (South) after a 15-5 home success against Kings Norton.

The Ross Road side have now lost just once in six matches.

Bromyard are still in danger near the foot of Midlands Four West (North) after suffering their fourth straight reverse, an 11-5 defeat at Bishops Castle and Onny Valley.