HEREFORD prepared for their derby day showdown with Worcester on the back of a narrow 22-19 defeat in the Midlands 1 West.

With only try difference separating the sides going into the mid-table showdown Sean Lynn's side are hoping for a good result in the neighbouring county.

Last weekend they battled torrid conditions at another mid-table side Lutterworth.

The hosts opened the game with a sustained attack and after a period of pressure found a gap in the corner to run in a good try.

Their second try came after a series of Hereford errors and several missed tackles resulted in a try. Both tries were converted and half way into the first half, the visitors found themselves 14-0 down. Hereford responded with some good handling movements and took a number of quick penalties before Leon Parsons reduced the deficit with a try.

The home side defended well and denied Hereford, until well into the final quarter Tom Ewins picked up a loose ball and drove over for a try. Just minutes later a handling error allowed Lutterworth to capitalise and touch down for an unconverted try. As time was running out, Gareth Jones won a lineout inside the Lutterworth 22, the forwards drove on across the goal-line and Matt Lawrence touched down for his first senior try.