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HEREFORD 16 - 19 STAFFORD

Wyeside, 29 March 2003

Powergen Midlands 2 West League

Despite a dominant display, Hereford conceded a late try as they slipped to a narrow defeat against Powergen Midlands 2 West promotion-hopefuls Stafford at Wyeside.

Hereford led throughout the entertaining clash and could have snatched victory in the dying minutes when centre Ben Stevens just failed to ground the ball. In fact, Hereford piled on intense pressure in the closing minutes and a try for Stevens would have been a deserved reward for their efforts. The home side controlled possession for long periods, while Stafford were limited to just three try-scoring opportunities and were successful on each occasion as they secured a league double over Hereford.

The match, itself, was neck and neck throughout and Hereford went into the interval holding a narrow 10-7 advantage. Will McQuaid scored Hereford's only try in the opening 15 minutes, while fly-half Colin Osborne kicked the conversion and followed it up with three penalties. Hereford skipper Andy Johnson was the home side's man-of-the-match, while McQuaid, second row Rob Atkinson, returning after a lengthy injury, and young scrum-half Billy Grisman all gave impressive displays for the Wyeside club.