A HAT-TRICK of tries by Luke Yarranton helped Hereford extend their winning run to seven games with a bonus-point 27-8 win over Midlands 1 West strugglers Walsall.

The visitors, with the strong wind at their backs, used the conditions well and took a five point lead with an unconverted try after eight minutes.

Hereford persisted with attempts to run the ball out of defence for the first fifteen minutes.

The forwards took over with a period of pick and drive which proved a more effective tactic and, before the interval, Yarranton grabbed the first of his tries to reduce the deficit.

Morgan Goodall was unable to add the extra points and the Wyesiders changed ends with a three point deficit.

Hereford opened the second half driving into Walsall territory and winning a succession of penalties, the last of which Goodall converted to level the scores at eight points all.

The Hereford backs were now able to make ground with their running game and a promising break by Mark Philo ended when his pass inside could not be gathered.

Goodall put in some fine line kicks and from one, Richard Preece won the lineout and the catch and drive set up Yarranton to break away and touch down for his second try

Goodall was not able to land the conversion, but after 54 minutes Hereford had secured a lead of 13 points to 8.

Hereford’s third try came just three minutes later and in a similar way.

An accurate kick to touch from a penalty was followed by a catch and drive and Yarranton was on hand to complete his hat trick; Goodall slotting over the conversion.

Some good Walsall defence denied the Wyesiders the bonus-point try for a further 20 minutes before, after a period of continuous pressure, a kick ahead was followed up by Callum Duncan. Goodall added the extra points to complete the win.

"Hereford did well to limit the visitors to a three-point lead at half time," said press officer Rob Davies.

"The conditions were difficult, they were facing a very strong wind with squally showers.

The visitors belied their lowly league position and made Hereford work hard for the result.

"The scrum, which was Hereford’s Achilles heel early in the season, has developed into a strong unit and all four front rowers put in a good shift."

Coach, Bob Stewart, added: "Once we played to our game plan our controlled play was the key to victory.

"The weather was a great equaliser and to score four tries in those conditions was great.”

This Saturday, Hereford visit Kenilworth.

Meanwhile, Hereford's Developmemnt squad went down 24-3 to Evesham at the wekeend. 

Jordan Sheehy kicked over a penalty for Hereford.

The game offered the opportunity for three colts players, Josh Lawrence, Bryn Goodall and Ollie Hutch, the opportunity to gain experience at senior level.