A FINE defensive display saw Hereford claim a rare away win in Midlands 1 West.

The Wyesiders' pack, which was smaller than the Camp Hill forwards, more than held their own, which resulted in them winning 17-11.

"We started off really strong, we played good territory going up the hill and we should have come away with more points first half," said Hereford head coach Sean Lynn,

"But then the thing that killed us was giving a penalty away just before half time.

"Camp Hill kicked to the corner and came away with a good score.

"They dug in, and in the second half their tails were up and with any 50-50 ball, they were on straight away.

"The last ten minutes were tough, we couldn’t get out of our 22.

"We conceded penalty after penalty and Tom Slater went into the sin-bin, but the boys showed good character.

"They defended really well and kept Camp Hill out.

"Full credit to the front five, also Tom Ewins who defended well and Richard Jones who was something else.”

Camp Hill opened the scoring with a penalty after Hereford offended at the breakdown.

But midway through the first half, a seven minute spell saw Hereford register two tries.

Good handling between James Stubbs, Leon Parsons and Ollie Hutcheson made ground and a quick penalty from Bryn Goodall was moved by Ieaun Brown to Jones to crash over near the posts.

Goodall added the extra points.

A few minutes later, a good lineout ball won by Gareth Jones was driven to the goal-line for Lewis Jordan to touch down.

Camp Hill reduced the deficit with a second penalty before they put Hereford under pressure with a good try.

The second half started with some end to end play and Hereford increased their lead after determined runs by Tom Slater and Richard Jones threatened the Camp Hill 22.

Hutcheson won a lineout and a classic catch and drive ended with Jordan touching down for his second try.

As the game progressed, Camp Hill did most of the attacking and it took all of the Hereford defensive skill to hold them out.

In the closing minutes, they crossed the Hereford line twice, but were unable to keep hold of the ball and in the final minutes were called back for a forward pass.

Hereford are in next in action on February 17 when they entertain current league leaders Dudley Kingswinford.