HEREFORD Stampede stood firm as they clinched a second competitive victory in their quest to make the British American Football Association National League next year.

The Stampede made the long journey to Paignton in Devon for their latest tie having played two games already (won one and lost one).

The Trojans, already a league side and having won six of their eight games this season were preparing for their trip to the divisional playoffs in August.

The first half was dominated by the travelling Stampede but a fumble, a couple of careless penalties and a missed field goal meant that the game remained scoreless in the early stages. Yet again the Stampede’s defense refused to let the opposition gain any significant yardage, ably led by the defensive Josh Bolland.

It was inevitable therefore that it was the Stampede took the lead as the offense moved the ball on the ground and in the air with the focal point being offensive James Lawrence.

It was running back Jordan Parham who finally found the end zone giving the Stampede a 6-0 lead.

The Stampede doubled their lead after quarter-back Steve Hall passed to Jay Jay Spencer who escaped a tackle after the catch for another touchdown, which meant that Stampede took a 12-0 lead into the half-time break.

The experienced Torbay side were always going to fight back in the second half and their defense halted the Stampede’s offensive progress throughout most of the second half.

This meant that Hereford were forced to rely on their defense to keep the Trojans out of the end zone and they did not disappoint.

Most notable was a magnificent goal-line stand in the fourth quarter where they repelled the Trojans' four attempts to score from inside the five yards line, resulting in the ball returning to the Stampede offense.

This was a pivotal point in the game as a Torbay score would have given the home side the momentum to perhaps go on and score again.

The impressive defensive stand meant a scoreless second half and ultimately a well deserved hard fought 12-0 victory against a high quality opposition.

The Stampede now look forward to three home fixtures, starting with a local derby against the Worcestershire Black Knights on August 10, kick- off 2pm at Greyhound RFC, Grandstand Road.