HEREFORD Colts have made progress in the North Midlands under-19 Cup after travelling to Whitchurch and returning with a 27-3 victory.

Whitchurch held their own in the scrums and line-outs, but were no match for the clinical rucking and superior handling of the Hereford squad in open play. Hereford ran in 5 tries from Leon Yeboah-Parsons, Kian Bell, Mark Philo, Dave Gray and Rhys Roberts, Jordan Sheehy converted one.

Whitchurch were unable to respond with a try but were successful with one penalty attempt. They defended well throughout and prevented Hereford scoring on two further occasions in the second half by determined defence, against a succession of strong rolling mauls by the Hereford pack.

Philo, who was initially named as Hereford's captain for the season, was particularly pleased to mark his return with a score after recovery from a long lay off with a knee injury. He was able to complete a full match.

Hereford lead the Sunday section of the North Midlands Colts League and are still in contention for the National Colts Cup.

They visit Lichfield for a fourth-round clash on February 2 and will hope to score a morale-boosting victory on behalf of the club's first-team. Lichfield lead Midlands One West with Hereford, who will entertain their high-flying rivals on March 1, in third place.