A YOUNG Hereford team more than matched Midlands 1 West leaders Bromsgrove, but fell just short.

With only stoppage time remaining, the away side were defending a one-point lead at Wyeside and Hereford were doing most of the attacking.

But it was Bromsgrove who increased their lead with a converted try, before Hereford claimed a losing bonus point thanks to a late Bryn Goodall penalty.

"All in all it was a good game," said Hereford head coach Sean Lynn.

"When Bromsgrove came into our 22 you could see why they are top of the league.

"They were very clinical whenever they got near our line.

"Our forwards were outstanding again though and credit must go to Ollie Hutcheson who covered every blade of grass and carried well.

"Gareth Jones was also excellent in the loose.

"We have got things to work on, but what’s really nice is that our boys stuck together and showed character to come away with a losing bonus, so it's a point well deserved."

Hereford kicked off down the slope and put Bromsgrove under continuous pressure.

On two occasions they crossed the visitors' line, but were unable to make it count.

The Hereford front row controlled the scrums while Jones and Hutcheson ruled the line-out.

The pressure paid off, with Bromsgrove losing a player to the sin bin and conceding a number of penalties, two of which Goodall slotted over

Hereford then won a good line-out before James Stubbs was handed the ball to race over for a try.

With half time approaching, Bromsgrove won a line-out and set up a rolling maul, before some slick passing led to a clinical finish.

Another try was then added, which gave the visitors a 12-11 interval lead.

The second half was an end-to-end affair, although no scores were registered in the first 30 minutes.

Hereford increased the pressure and looked set to regain the lead, only for Bromsgrove to score a late converted try.

However, Goodalls penalty did ensure the home side took something from the game.

Meanwhile, the Development XV had a great win, beating Bromsgrove 48-22; Sean Day scoring two tries.