HEREFORD Stampede are looking to 'send a message' to next season's league rivals when they travel to Torbay Trojans this weekend.

The match will be the third of the club's associate matches, needed to be completed in order to prove they are capable of playing in the British American Football League next season.

The side recorded history when they beat Northampton Knights in their opening associate match 27-0.

However, a return fixture earlier this month saw Northampton run out 46-6 winners.

"We learnt a bit of a lesson there and were underprepared," said Head Coach Paul Kent.

"We beat them at our place and they took it personally. It was our first away trip so it was disappointing and we had a meeting about it afterwards.

"We have sorted a few things out, put that defeat behind us and moved on."

Torbay Trojans play in the SFC 2 West league, which Hereford could join next season.

The Trojans have won six matches and lost two this season earning themselves a play-off spot.

"They are in the play-offs in three weeks time so it will be a good guide for us against a league side," added Kent.

"We want to play league teams so we know what we are up against and can then set ourselves targets.

"Torbay have only been in the league two years so are relatively new also. With the quality of team we have got when everybody is available we won't be scared to play them.

"One of our guys went down to film their previous game so we've a bit of an idea how they play.

"We are very much at this level and as long as our guys do their jobs we will be a match.

"We have got an opportunity to send a message across the league and go down there and win.

"We have to put the last game at the back of our minds. Nobody want to feel how we did after that game."