Kenilworth 22 pts Hereford 40

HEREFORD scored all of their points in a dominant first-half performance as they moved back into contention at the top of the Midlands One West table.

“Our first half performance was spot on and gave us the platform for a good win," said coach Mark Harris. "The heavy conditions do not suit our style of play but the first half proved we can play in all conditions.

"Sean Day in particular had an excellent game.”

Playing into a strong wind, Hereford took the lead after just three minutes when Day's run out of defence paved the way for a try by full back Nat Thomas.

Dean Powell added the extra points with an excellent conversion from wide out.

Then, after a turn-over at the breakdown by Matt Pritchard, the ball was moved smartly wide and Tom Ewins crossed for the second try.

Dean Powell was just wide with the conversion attempt.

Kenilworth reduced the deficit with a penalty but Hereford returned to the attack and Thomas registered his second try of the afternoon with a 50-yard run to the line; Powell converted.

A Kenilworth converted try brought the home side back into the game but Hereford created an opening for Jake Smithers to cross for the bonus point try, which Powell converted. Further tries from Perry Pudge and Day, both converted by Powell took the interval score to 40-10.

The second half turned out to be quite different, with Hereford unable to make use of the strong wind now at their backs.

Within 15 minutes of the restart Kenilworth had reduced the deficit with two tries, one of which was converted, but Hereford showed their character with some excellent defensive play and there were no further scores.