Ludlow 3 pts Hereford 37.

RELEGATED Hereford made a great start to their return to Midlands One West with a strong second-half display in a comprehensive local derby win.

Charlie Loughman kicked a penalty to give the visitors an early lead but Ludlow levelled when Hereford were caught offside at the breakdown.

Although Loughman landed a second penalty to restore the Hereford lead, Ludlow responded with some good forward play and pressure to reach the interval with the Wyesiders only holding a narrow 6-3 advantage.

Hereford opened the second- half with a burst of three tries in 10 minutes.

A slick passing movement saw Dean Powell send in Kieram Hallam wide out on the left for the first try and then a number of thrusting runs by Tom Ewins produced tries in quick succession for Josh Bell and then Ewins himself.

With Loughman converting one of the three, Hereford had established a commanding lead at 23-3 after just 50 minutes.

Unfortunately, Bell dislocated a shoulder in scoring his try while Ludlow also lost a backrow forward who earned himself a yellow card.

Perry Pudge, who had an excellent game at full back, was also yellow-carded.

Hereford kept up the pressure and another passing movement between forwards and backs took play the length of the field into the Ludlow 22, allowing Ben Osbourne to touch down for the fourth try after 66 minutes.

Loughman converted and also added the extra points to round off the scoring on 70 minutes after an elusive run by flanker Richard Mayson ended with Hereford’s fifth try. To complete a successful start to the season, Hereford 2nd defeated Worcester Wanderers 2nd 67-0 at Wyeside.