Newport Salop 41 Hereford 17

HEREFORD came off second best when they travelled to unbeaten Midlands One West leaders Newport.

But Hereford coach Bob Harris was encouraged by his team's performance against a side who have now won all of their 12 matches.

“Newport are a very good side and deserved to win," he said. "But we are a good side and proved it on the field.”

Newport raced into a 14-0 lead after 10 minutes but Hereford replied with a number of handling moves orchestrated by Dean Powell, who had an excellent game on his return after injury.

Morgan Goodall converted two long distance kicks to reduce the deficit but Newport scored a third converted try in the corner before Goodall was able to land two further penalties to take the score at the interval to 21 points to 12.

From the restart Newport offended and a good line kick gave Hereford an attacking lineout in the Newport 22. Jamie Bullock won the ball and set up a driving maul, but Newport won a turnover and ran the length of the field to score a fourth converted try and claim the bonus point.

Newport added a penalty goal before Hereford responded again with some promising handling and more driving forward play which eventually saw Harry Jenkins was driven over for a try, which Goodall was not able to convert from the difficult angle.

Newport added a second penalty goal, but the Wyesiders continued to press and a good lineout take by Richard Preece set up a forward drive which crossed the line, but was adjudged to be held up.

Captain Ali McColl thanked his team for the effort they put in.

"Now we need to target five points from each of our remaining games in 2014 to get back on track, we can beat Newport back at Wyeside,” he said.

Hereford entertain Silhillians on Saturday.