HEREFORD RFC captain Luke Yarranton says he was really proud of the team after they ensured their Midlands 1 West status with an excellent 47-26 win at Stoke-on-Trent.

The Wyesiders have experienced a largely frustrated campaign, but Yarranton says last Saturday's win proved what they can do.

"We had a clear picture of what we needed to do," said Yarranton.

"The dry weather suited us and we had a team that was a lot faster and quicker and we ran circles around Stoke.

"They also weren't mathematically safe, but they couldn't handle us.

"It has been frustrating at times because we played Burton away and only lost by a couple of points and, a couple of weeks ago lost to Moseley Oak when we should have won.

"There have been a number of games this season where, if we had the luck of the bounce, we would be in a different position.

"If we win a week on Saturday we will finish eighth, and after the first few games, the aim was to finish mid-table."

Hereford player-coach Luke Fisher was also delighted with the win.

"We stuck to the structure and the game plan, we all bought into it and we’ve come away with a result," he said.

"Will Ford was outstanding individually and scored two very good tries.

"Tom Ewins and Perry Pudge, our centres, shut them down and caused them a lot of hassle and James Stubbs came on bringing a lot of energy and tempo to our game.

"We now need to reflect on the season, digest what’s happened and build on it.

"We have to learn from it, then we’ve got to step up and build for next year.

"I’m delighted that we’ve now done what was necessary to stay in this league.

"We must look ahead, reflect on what we’ve done and go forward with our young and very exciting squad.”

Ford opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a try, converted by Dean Powell, before Stoke touched down.

James Stubbs increased Hereford's lead just past the half-hour mark, which Powell again converted, but back came Stoke who scored a converted try.

But the Wyesiders went into the break 21-12 ahead after Powell converted Matt Pritchard's try.

Richard Preece added to the scoreline shortly after the break before Powell converted Perry Pudge's score.

And when Leon Parsons went over, with Powell converting, Hereford were 40-12 ahead.

Stoke then added two tries before Powell converted Ford's second try.