HEREFORD continued their successful pre-season countdown with a 19-14 win at South West One (West) outfit Drybrook.

A hard-fought game proved abrasive at times but was another good test of the Wyeside club’s strength in depth.

Both teams opened the game up at every opportunity, with Drybrook taking the lead with a converted try at the end of the first quarter.

The Hereford defence were caught offside at the breakdown near their line and some quick thinking allowed the home scrum-half to dive over.

The second quarter belonged to Hereford, who scored three tries, two of which were converted by Matt Milsom to open up a 19-7 half-time advantage.

First Sean Day followed up an excellent break by Ben Osborne to open his account for the season.

Then some good forward driving play allowed Richie Preece to touch down under the posts and as the interval approached, Day picked up a pass on halfway and outpaced the Drybrook defenders to register his second score.

A large number of substitutions in the second half, as both teams sought to give every squad member an opportunity to impress, then caused the game to lose structure.

During a period of end-to-end play, Hereford had their best chance to build on their lead.

A well-placed kick ahead from scrum-half Fran Jennings was followed up well, but an offence at the breakdown enabled Drybrook to clear their lines.

The Drybrook pack began to get stronger as the game progressed and they put the Hereford defence under heavy pressure.

Despite some determined defensive work in the last 15 minutes, Drybrook managed to poach a deserved consolation try in the final minute.

Hereford again illustrated their ability to create and take their chances, the defensive plan was sound and well executed and despite many personnel changes, many elements of their game are coming together.

Players old and new are showing tremendous enthusiasm to fight for a first-team place. Craig Rowlett, back in action after several years away, looked particularly sharp and Lewis Jordan put in a great shift in the forwards.

Hereford coach Keiram Hallam was delighted with the display. He said: “I’m very pleased at the way some of the squad players stood up.

"They have given us quite a selection headache and some of the newcomers are pushing hard for a starting berth.

"It’s great to see the units starting to gel and it all looks good for the start of the season.”

Hereford play Monmouth at Wyeside this Saturday with a 2.30pm start.

Last season Monmouth gave the Wyesiders a tough game before being beaten 28-12.

The following Saturday, they take on Whitchurch at home in the North Midlands Cup.