Hereford 34 pts Silhillians 11

HEREFORD'S prospects of a play-off place in Midlands One West look slight despite a fine win in their final home league match of the season.

While assured of third place, the Wyesiders will need to gain a bonus-point win at Stoke on Saturday and hope that second-placed Byrton lose both of the their final two matches.

There is plenty of optimism for the future at the city club , however, and this was further boosted by a two-try debut from colt Frank Kelly.

Hereford slipped behind against the run of play to two early penalties but eventually gained control with a Silhillians flanker off the field with a a yellow card, Ali McColl drove over for a try with Dean Powell converting.

A Powell penalty extended the lead and the kicker was successful again when he landed the conversion for Tom Ewins' try.

A try-saving tackle by Perry Pudge preserved the lead before a Billy Grisman-inspired move brought about Kelly's first try, which Powell again converted.

Kelly ran the length of the field for his second try to secure the bonus point and, after Silhillians had cut the lead with a try, Chris Allman and Scott Robinson set up Connor Sullivan for the final score of the day.

Hereford's best chance of silverware looks like being in the North Midlands Cup where they entertain Newport in a semi-final on April 19.

"The coaching team will surely be satisfied with achieving their pre-season target, but no doubt will be contemplating what might have been," said Hereford spokesman Robin Davies.