ROSS-ON-WYE won the North Midlands Vase for the third time after beating Bromyard 23-14 at Dudley Kingswinford.

Fly-half Aaron Ryder contributed 13 of Ross' points which enabled them to stay just ahead of their county rivals who were always a threat on the counter-attack.

It was Ryder who gave Ross the initiative when he went over from close range after just five minutes.

Ryder threaded the conversion from the right hand touchline but Bromyard were soon on level terms again after full-back Tom Morris scythed through for a try that wing Toby Rivers improved.

A penalty from Ryder restored Ross' lead which centre Matt King extended when he powered through for an unconverted try.

Bromyard again responded with a try of their own, left wing George Leighton jinking through for a brilliant individual try, with Rivers converting.

But Ryder slotted another penalty on the stroke of half-time and Ross took a firmer grip on the match when scrum-half Bobby Ralph caught Bromyard napping when he darted over from a quickly-taken penalty.

Bromyard tried hard to close the gap but Rivers scuffed a penalty with 17 minutes remaining and Ross held firm.

Meanwhile, Richard Preece and Jock Welch played their last games for Hereford in the North Midlands Plate Final against Bridgnorth.

Preece has decided to retire following a long association with the club that has included over 300 first team appearances, while Welsh returns to Ledbury after starring in 61 games in three seasons.

Hereford had five players make their first team debut, with only six recognised first team members in the squad.

Therefore, the Wyesiders were always up against it and subsequently lost 34-0 to their higher-graded opponents.

“I am proud of the way the team fronted up to the strong opposition provided by Bridgnorth," said Hereford coach Kieram Hallam.

"The senior players led the way well and the Development XV players put down a marker for first team selection.

"The young newcomers, getting a first taste of first team rugby, will have gained valuable experience and will have learned that they will have to up their physicality and composure.

"They will have seen the clinical way that the experienced Bridgnorth players finished their tries.”

This Saturday, there will be a charity match at Wyeside between Pontrilas YFC and Hereford Old Boys, kick off 2.30pm.

The game is in memory of Sam Palmer, with proceeds going towards the British Heart Foundation.