Malvern 19 pts Hereford 20

HEREFORD survived a storming comeback and a late touchline conversion attempt to hold out for their first Midlands 1 victory of the campaign.

The Wyeside club raced into a 17-0 lead midway through the first half and eventually had to hang on for this victory, which inflicted the Spring Lane side's first home defeat in three years.

A disappointing crowd saw Hereford start in top gear. Finbar Heavens kicked Hereford in front with a penalty on two minutes and they went further ahead in the 15th minute when Cieron Griffiths made a break and fed Jeremy Grisman, who beat two players to touch down in the corner.

Heavens slotted over the conversion and Hereford skipper Jason Lewis struck a further blow, intercepting a pass 25 yards out and running in unopposed to give Heavens a simple conversion.

Malvern continued to press even though they were 17-0 down, and Andy Longley booted two penalties to reduce the gap to 17-6 at the break.

Hereford lost their rhythm after the interval, and Longley replied with another penalty before, from a five-metre scrum, blind-side flanker Steve Taylor crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try, which cut the Wyesiders' lead to just three points.

To their credit, a battling Hereford fought back and, with five minutes left, Heavens kicked a penalty to give the visitors a 20-14 lead.

However, ex-Hereford player Dave Beech scored a last-gasp try in the corner for Malvern, leaving Longley a tough conversion to steal the win.

Fortunately for Hereford, the conversion dipped under the posts and the relieved visitors claimed a memorable triumph.

n Hereford Colts fought back from 12-3 down at half-time to run out worthy 17-12 winners over Abergavenny Colts at Wyeside.

Hereford, with six players from their youth development side, scored their only points in the first half from a Gary Preece drop goal.

Centre Richard Mason cut the deficit, scoring a try which Colin Osborne converted from the touchline. And, with the home forwards taking control, Nick Nugent put Hereford in front with a stylish try and then an Osborne conversion sealed the triumph.