Hereford 69 pts Barkers Butts 5

HEREFORD warmed up for the visit of Midlands One West leaders Lichfield on Saturday with a conclusive win in their first match at Wyeside since December 14.

The city side now move up to second in the table after scoring 11 tries and conceding just one.

“The pack set a good platform and Dean Powell controlled the game well," said coach Mark Harris. "All we need to do is keep winning and we hope to continue our good run next week.”

After an even first 10 minutes, Dean Powell and Richard Mayson were involved in the move which sent in Sean Day for the opening try.

Perry Pudge broke through a tackle shortly afterwards for the second try and a third quickly followed when Scott Robinson was driven over the line.

Powell converted both scores and was also successful in improving two further scores, from Jake Smithers and Pudge, before the break which saw the Wyesiders in control at 33-0.

Alex Hickinbotham extended the lead when he capitalised on some smart interplay between Nat Thomas and Day early in the second period.

Barkers Butts rallied briefly and scored a consolation try.

But Hereford were quickly back on the scoresheet with Day's second try of the afternoon, converted by Morgan Goodall who also added the extras when Josh Walker went over.

With the home side in complete control, there were three more tries in the last 10 minutes, two for Tom Ewins and one from Powell with Goodall adding one conversion to round off a comprehensive victory.

"Each of the 18-man squad made a significant contribution," said club spokesman Robin Davies. "This time the pressure was maintained for the full 80 minutes."

The pics of Saturdays Game are:

Josh Walker try

Alex Hickinbotham on way to his try

Perry Pudge try