Hereford can take pride despite Midlands One West reverse at Burton (From Hereford Times)

Hereford can take pride despite Midlands One West reverse at Burton

1:30pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport

Burton 18 pts Hereford 10 pts.

HEREFORD had plenty to be pleased about despite slipping to a second straight Midlands One West reverse in the mud at Burton.

“This team can and does make it tough for any opposition,” said spokesman and former player Robin Davies.

“They can take pride from a hard-working performance.

“The backs tried hard to play running rugby but the conditions were never in favour of a handling game.”

Darryl Banton kicked an early penalty when Hereford were caught offside and the home side increased their lead when a kick ahead was followed up by Dan Smith who went over for a try.

Hereford tried hard to hit back with a series of handling movements but Nat Thomas’ run out of defence ended with a knock on.

Burton’s pack piled on the pressure but Hereford broke out and a smart move set up Tom Ewins who broke through a tackle and crashed over for a try.

Dean Powell kicked a fine conversion to cut the deficit to a single point at the interval.

After a spell of end-to-end play at the start of the second-half, Burton ran back a Hereford clearance and hooker Nathan Taylor went over for a second home try, converted well by Banton.

Powell cut the deficit with a penalty and then, with Burton down to 14-men after a yellow card and just a five-point lead to overturn, Hereford looked well placed.

But Burton were the side to add to their tally when Banton punished an off-side offence with another successful penalty and, despite strong efforts, Hereford were unable to score again.