HEREFORD RFC head coach Scott Sturdy praised his side for their dominant display during a 13-26 victory over Shipston on Stour.

The Wyesiders overcame severe weather conditions and led from the outset scoring five tries to secure victory.

“A really challenging day for us away,” said Sturdy. “The weather was not good, but fortunately the pitch was playable. We won the toss and played up the hill and dominated the game right from the off.

“We executed some beautiful phased play and created a few chances before finishing our first tries.

“When we went in at half-time, with a lead and the advantage of that slope, I always knew we would go away and win the game.

“We had a tricky spell 20 minutes after the break when we gave away a number of penalties and Shipston managed to get back into the game, but we showed some great class and finishing to get ourselves over the line.”

Hereford started the game very well and from half-way Iwan Holder stepped outside one of the Shipston centres and laid off to Gareth Jones who powered his way through three defenders to score under the posts on 11 minutes, Iwan Holder slotted the conversion.

The Wyesiders remained on but conceded a couple of penalties, which ended with Shipston kicking one to reduce the Hereford lead.

Just before half-time Hereford worked their way into the Shipston 22 before Nathan Boden crashed over in the corner. Holder’s was not successful, leaving the score at the interval 3-12.

Hereford started the second half in perfect style with Gareth Jones crashing over again with a very impressive second finish and Holder landed a very tricky conversion from a difficult angle.

Hereford then conceded a number of penalties allowing Shipston to exert pressure and get back into the game with a converted try.

The Wyesiders conceded more silly penalties and Shipston decided to take three points on offer from one of the penalties.

With the game in the balance Mark Philo made a break in mid-field and Holder turned on the gas to get over the line, before landing the conversion to make it 13-26.