HEREFORD Stampede proved why they deserve a

National League place next season with a 34-6 victory over Somerset Wyverns in their final home associate game.

Wyverns are an established league team and could potentially be one of the Stampede’s opponents next year.

The visiting league side showed their experience in the early exchanges but the home defense also imposed themselves on their opposition, superbly marshalled by the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Aaron Egerton.

It was the home side’s defense that opened the scoring when defensive linemen Kieran Deacon forced the Wyvern’s QB into a fumble with his counterpart Dan Ellis scooping up the loose ball and taking it to the end-zone.

The Stampede’s defense capitalised on a stray pass which found the hands of cornerback Dan Harris, who ran the ball in for his second touch down in consecutive games.

The Stampede’s offense began to click into gear resulting in a pinpoint pass from quarterback Steve Hall to tight end James Lawrence for the third touchdown of the game, making the score 21-0 at half-time.

A further touch down pass to wide receiver JJ Spencer opened the scoring in the second half, with Somerset responding shortly after with a touch down of their own.

Hereford put the game beyond any doubt when running back James Sirrell bullied the Wyvern defense and ran the ball in for touch down in the fourth quarter for the final score.

The performance was hailed as ‘impressive’ by Stampede head coach Paul Kent.

He said: "Somerset are a very good team and to come away with a victory by that margin is a credit to all the players.

"This is truly a team sport and you can see what is possible for the future when everyone gets on board with that mentality.

"We can keep improving and be a genuine force to be reckoned with next year."

The Stampede end their associate schedule with an away trip to Scunthorpe Alphas on October 6, and then have to wait to find out if they have gained entry to the league, with notification in December.