HEREFORD Stampede took on their first 'live' opponents in a competitive scrimmage.

A scrimmage is the closest thing you can get to an actual game day but differs slightly because scores are not recorded and you are not restricted by a game clock.

This was the Stampede's first step to their first official game in March and they took on the Northants Knights at the City Sports Club on Grandstand Road.

"It has been a long time since contact football has been played in Hereford and I am very proud that it is finally back," said Hereford Stampedr chairman Steve Hall.

"It makes all of the hard work all worthwhile.

"It is a million miles away from the five guys who threw a 10 football around the castle green in the winter of 2014.”

Hereford Stampede head coach Paul Kent added: “I can only vouch for the last two months, but seeing football on the field was a great pleasure and I'm honoured to have all of the guys as part of our team.

"These things don't come easy and we have a long way to go, but what a start to contact football for the Stampede.

"We need to keep working hard, attending training and learning."

The Stampede train every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm and 9.30am to 12.30pm.

For more details, email recruitment@herefordstampede.co.uk