THREE second half tries resulted in Hereford RFC coming from 12 points down to take a comfortable 29-12 victory over

Despite going behind a brace of tries before the interval to gain parity before adding three further efforts in the second half.

Head coach Scott Sturdy said: “Overall, a very good attacking performance today against a Stratford side known for being a rugby playing team, playing edge to edge and at pace.

“Stratford from a very clever 60-yard kick scored their first try. Then we made an interception, kicked the ball wide, made a mistake and suddenly we’re 12 nil down. This seemed really harsh considering how well we played and how many opportunities we created.

“I was very pleased to see the way the boys dug in and continued to play with that ferocity and intent. We are now at the halfway point in the season lying fifth. Old Halesonians are top just 5 points ahead. We are in a very good position to be competitive for the rest of the season with the opportunity to press forward.”

Despite Hereford starting brightly it was Stratford who took the lead from a well-placed kick ahead which was followed up and touched down for a converted try.

Hereford continued to play a handling game despite the wet and windy conditions. Several promising attacks came to naught before Stratford picked up a dropped pass to run through a couple of tackles and score a second try.

Hereford responded immediately and Jack Goodwin drove through a tackle before racing over for the first Hereford try.

Right on the stroke of half-time Leon Parsons drove over the line and a successful conversion from Josh Wright drew the scores level at 12-12.

Just two minutes after the re-start Dean Powell fed Cal Duncan who dived over to give Hereford a lead for the first time.

Hereford followed up in quick succession with two further tries, one of which Josh Wright converted.

Firstly, Mark Philo picked up a loose ball and crossed the whitewash before Duncan registered his second try of the afternoon to compete the 29-12 win.