HEREFORD proved that they can defend as well as attack and battled from behind to a 22-13 bonus point victory over relegation threatened Melbourne.

First half tries by Guido Suez and Rhys Proctor weren't enough as the Wyesiders went in 13-12 behinds at half-time. However, second half scores by Tom Starkey and Gareth Jones with no replay earned victory.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, they were coming here to get some points and they threw everything at us, said head coach Sean Lynn.

"Our last game was a good win, but we had to prove something today to the home crowd. We made a good start and we got the win and a bonus point.

"It wasn’t pretty, but certain players stood out especially Gareth Jones who was outstanding again and Tom Ewins who skippered the side well. It’s nice to see the youngsters coming through, Rhys Procter grabbing another try and looking sharp. This week we defended well, last week we attacked well and on both occasions, we showed good character.”

Suez opened the scoring after three minutes with a catch and drive try much to the delight of his parents visiting from Canada. The visitor's pressure forced a number of penalties, two of which were landed to draw them back to 7-6.

Bryn Goodall found touch from a penalty and a second catch and drive enabled Proctor to pick up and dart over for the second Hereford try.

As the half closed, Melbourne's pressure opened a gap for them to drive over for a try. The conversion was good to give them a 13-12 lead at the interval.

Hereford opened the second half with a good try, Goodall fed Starkey on half way and the winger raced into the Melbourne 22 to score in the corner.

The host's fourth try came fro, a catch and drive in the Melbourne 22 when the ball was released to Gareth Jones, who charged over to score, breaking tackles on the way to complete the victory.