Newbold 9 pts Hereford 6

HEREFORD needed a couple of scores to ensure fourth place in the Midlands 2 West table, but it was Newbold who did just enough to ensure they finished fifth, pushing the Wyesiders down to sixth.

However, Hereford, with 12 players under 20, including six colts, defended well and came out of the game with a lot of credit against a Newbold side that had lost only two of their last 15 games.

Throughout Hereford's campaign this season at least five of the matches lost can be put down to inexperience and the players will have learnt a lot.

Indeed, from Saturday's team, only Andy Johnson was a regular from the previous season. To finish in the top half of the table is a creditable performance from a side that has youth on its side.

Newbold attacked from the outset and took the lead after 15 minutes with a penalty from centre Nathan Cobb, who added another five minutes later.

From the kick-off Hereford were awarded a penalty and Colin Osborne reduced the deficit to 6-3.

Hereford continued to press forward and some good lineout ball from Rob Atkinson supplied the backs with a useful amount of ball.

Chive Eastwood did his job at hooker, ably assisted by his two 18-year-old props, Ali McCall, making his first-team debut, and Ben Priday.

The second half saw another penalty to Newbold from Cobb after a sustained assault on the Hereford line.

Midway through the half Osborne again reduced arrears to make the score 9-6 and that completed the scoring.

l Hereford have their final tour meeting after training tonight before 52 players and officials will set off for the Czech Republic on May 7 in an effort to raise funds for the beleaguered Czech RFU.

l Hereford's annual general meeting will be at Wyeside on Wednesday, May 21 at 7.30pm

l The annual dinner and dance will be on Friday, May 23.