HEREFORDSHIRE took on top-of-the-table Cornwall in the English Counties South West Division and eventually succumbed 50-40 after a close-fought tussle at neutral Taunton.

Cornwall were protecting an unbeaten record and were keen to extend their run to a fourth consecutive game.

They threw down the gauntlet from the offset and took the lead from the first whistle. But Herefordshire were by no means ready to allow Cornwall a free ride and were keen to reverse last season's 48-40 defeat at the hands of their opponents and gathered their composure to draw level at 8-8 in the first quarter.

Nicky Hill and Kelly Stephens gave a solid performance in the defensive circle, putting their partnership as club team-mates to good use, and were ably supported by a committed display from wing-defence Sophie Wright.

However, the defence were unable to maintain their pressure throughout the course of the match against a strong squad of players. During the second phase of the game Cornwall began to draw away, employing their physical strength to good effect and seeming to secure possession from the majority of any 50-50 balls.

Cornwall's shooters were exemplary, missing only four shots in the game. In contrast, Hereford squandered numerous chances and found the experienced Cornwall goalkeeper an intimidating presence. Their cause was not helped by goal-shooter Ali Benbow nursing a hand injury from the previous week's match against East Devon.

With the half time score at 25-21 in Cornwall's favour, the match was still there for the taking. Helen Thomasson made her county debut for Herefordshire playing at wing-attack, and gave her all to the team's cause but team changes by both sides saw Cornwall take the upper hand.

Herefordshire captain Jaydee Hunt moved into a shooting role in the final quarter and this added more bite to the attack, but this was not enough to reverse the slump and the side went down to their second defeat of the season.

l The Under-18 team faced an extremely mature and well-drilled Cornwall side who romped to a 44-22 victory.

Herefordshire did little to ease the strain, making countless unforced errors to allow their opponents a comfortable match. But Vanessa Ball was outstanding at centre, making significant contributions in both an attacking and defending role.

l In a far less competitive game, Herefordshire seniors stormed to a 68-18 victory over a struggling Navy squad.

The visitors, yet to gain any points in their English Counties League campaign, found themselves wanting against a business-like Herefordshire side who dominated every aspect of play.

The attacking combination of Jaydee Hunt, Mel Hunt and Ali Benbow enjoyed total freedom and this was accentuated by the tall presence of Debbie Bowdley at goal-shooter, making her first appearance for the county.

lThe squad will next compete away to West Devon on February 28.