Hereford 34 pts Old Yardleians 0

WITH wins elsewhere for top two Barkers Butts and Pershore, Hereford's excellent Midlands 3 West South success over their powerful Birmingham visitors has left them in third place in the table, outside the promotion spots.

Hereford's open style of rugby allowed them to comfortably dispose of a side which boasts the biggest pack in the division and the result, the Wyesiders' ninth successive victory, demonstrated their substantial improvement since a 35-35 draw at the Old Yardleians' headquarters just before Christmas.

With a promotion place still an outside prospect before the game, Hereford started well and raced into a 24-0 lead by the interval.

Backs Tim Harvey and Des White both crossed for two tries each and Jeremy Grisman added two conversions to ensure that the home side had a commanding advantage by the turnaround.

After the break, Hereford eased back slightly as Old Yardleians made efforts to slow the pace of the game down.

The Wyesiders still controlled play, however, and White was unlucky not to be credited with a third try after a superb 70-yard run. On that occasion, the referee disallowed the score for an infringement but White quickly made amends by going over to complete his treble.

Hereford rounded off the scoring midway through the half when Ben Hillstead, who has been in outstanding form in recent matches, gained some reward for his efforts by crossing for the final try.

l Man-of-the match Billy Grisman, returning from injury, scored a hat-trick of tries in Hereford 2nd's 38-26 friendly match win over Old Yardleians 2nd.

Steve Bailey, Sam Ellis and Ed Edwards also scored tries for Hereford and Will Bolt, captain for the day, kicked four conversions with a good display.