Hereford keep perfect start with away win

10:59am Thursday 2nd October 2008

Cheltenham North 13 pts Hereford 33.

AFTER lacking cohesion in the first half, and then falling behind soon after the resumption, Hereford showed enough endeavour to go on and gain their third consecutive win in Midlands 2 West.

Trailing 8-7 to a Cheltenham side who are always a handful on their own patch, Hereford were rewarded for their strong running and persistence as they ran in four second-half tries to end as comfortable winners.

Hereford made a slow start to the game and fell behind to a penalty. They gradually got into their stride, but struggled to turn their chances into points. They eventually took the lead when Adam Gwynne went over in the corner and Sean Day added the extra points.

This was cancelled out when the home side produced an overlap to score in the corner at the start of the second half.

Ironically, at this stage two substitutions, far from disrupting Hereford’s progress, actually led to the next two tries.

Dean Powell replaced the injured Day and within a minute of coming on to the pitch had created and scored the try that put his side back in front. He also added the conversion.

When Will Watkins was forced off minutes later, Richard Preece came on and immediately charged over from 25 metres after finding a hole in the lineout. Powell kicked the conversion, but was sent to the sin bin soon after for a trip.

With Gareth Miles leading the way, the Hereford forwards fought valiantly throughout and their hard work provided a plentiful supply of ball.

It was Miles who sparked the next score. He won the ball against the head and Billy Grisman started and finished a blind-side attack. At this stage a home player joined Powell on the sidelines for a similar offence.

The final Hereford try was touched down by skipper Matt Pritchard, following good work by Grisman and Ceiron Griffiths. Kieram Hallam kicked the conversion. The home side kept going and scored a consolation try at the death.

Hereford played well, but will be looking to step up a gear when they entertain Dudley Kingswinford, who also boast a played three, won three record, at Wyeside on Saturday.

l Ledbury suffered their second defeat in three Midlands 4 West South outings when they were beaten 29-11 at Bedworth.

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