Oates was taken to hospital and fortunately the injury was not as serious as at first feared. He suffered torn neck ligaments, however, and still requires physiotherapy treatment.

In a closely contested first half Hereford took the lead with an unconverted try from John Ridgen who was put in by quick- thinking hooker Louis Fairbrother.

Good forward play by Greyhound saw them get back on terms when Martin Wright drove over, but the Wyesiders regained the lead just before the break when winger Dave Boast crossed the line.