Hereford 30 Leek 24

A YOUTHFUL Hereford side gave their supporters and coaches some anxious moments before retaining their unbeaten home record with a hard-earned Midlands One West win over a well drilled Leek team.

"The inclusion in this squad of four 18-year-olds and a further seven under 25 promises a bright future," said spokesman Robin Davies.

"The back-row of the scrum for the whole of the second half was formed by Tom Slater and Callum Duncan, who were joined by Ryan Green from the bench.

"These boys have played together for Hereford in all age groups since starting in the under 8s and all made an important contribution to the result.

"The fourth member of the quartet is Leon Yeboah Parsons who made his first-team debut in the 2013/4 season at the age of 17.

"But, come the end of the season, we may rue the loss at Crewe and Nantwich of a game we could have won."

Hereford took an early lead when the energetic Slater chased a kick ahead and touched down in the corner. Morgan Goodall added the extra points with an excellent conversion. Leek equalised with a converted try and a second converted try gave them the lead.

Two penalties from the reliable boot of Goodall cut the margin to a single point at the interval, and he landed another early in the second period to put Hereford back in front.

The home side took control early in the second half and increased their lead with a try when the forwards drove over from a line out.

Skipper Ali McColl got the touchdown and Goodall converted with another accurate kick.

Leek landed a penalty to reduce the deficit, but Hereford pulled further away when Duncan intercepted deep in the Hereford half and made 40 yards before off loading to Goodall who crossed the line unopposed and converted his own try.

As time ran down, the Wyesiders ran a series of penalties from their own 22 in an attempt to score a bonus-point try but a handling error let Leek in for a final converted try to give them a well deserved losing bonus.

"I was pleased with the way the players reacted to the half-time discussion and raised their game in the second half to run out worthy winners," said coach Keiram Hallam. "I was particularly pleased with the scrummage, lineout and defensive play, but I'm looking to the team to make more of their running, passing game."