Walsall 13 pts Hereford 15.

HEREFORD’S first match of the Midlands 2 West season saw them returning to the scene of their triumph last term against tough rivals Walsall.

Although a difficult place to go and try to repeat the dose, since it was Walsall’s only home reverse of the campaign, Hereford returned with the spoils after a close encounter.

Third in the league table last time, Walsall are expected to be contenders again, and, in good overhead conditions and on a decent playing surface, took a 6-0 lead through two penalties.

Hereford lacked a little fluency in the early stages, but gradually found their feet and centre Adam Knight went over for a deserved try following an intuitive quick tap from Sean Day.

A disallowed try, following a possible infringement against Will Watkins, heralded a more comfortable passage of controlled play by Hereford and Day landed a penalty to give the visitors an 8-6 advantage.

Walsall regained the lead when the winger scored a converted try in the corner following a scrum. But the Hereford forwards began to keep hold of the ball more successfully and following good possession a fifteen metre charge to the line saw prop Ben Probert going over for a converted try.

The home team missed a long penalty before the end and Hereford held on to a hard-fought 15 - 13 lead.

Hereford’s head of coaching, John Watkins, was delighted that the team, including several newcomers, had gelled well enough to overcome formidable opponents away from home.

“Conditions were better than last season.” he said. “Although the back division lacked a bit of fluidity, the forwards grew as the match went on and managed to keep the ball well, helping to negate Walsall’s chances to go looking for tries.

“It was a pity we lost our game to the weather last week or we might have started the game with a bit more cohesion. But we have to be pleased that we have come here again and beaten a team who are very seldom beaten on their own pitch.

“We are all now looking forward to playing at home against Whitchurch this weekend.”