Matches between the two clubs have always been hard fought with the scores usually close.

The home team started well enough and although it quickly became clear that the Burton set scrummage was superior, the three quarters were unable to penetrate the Hereford defensive line. It was the visitors who scored first, however, as having carried the ball into the Burton 22 they were awarded a penalty because one of the home defenders was deemed to have played the ball whilst on the floor.

The restart was a good high kick which allowed the forwards to challenge for the ball. The backs though were still finding it difficult to penetrate the visitors’ defence but they eventually forced an error from which Burton were awarded a scrum about close to the goal line. Burton were awarded a penalty for an infringement by the Hereford front row and with the forwards on top and confident they chose to take another scrum instead of kicking for goal. With the scrum driving towards the line it was collapsed again leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty try. Malcolm Theo kicked the conversion to add the two extra points.

The home team went on the attack from the kick off and after some good running and handling by the backs scrum half Darryl Banton saw the opportunity to put a grubber kick towards the corner. Winger Dewi Williams appeared as if from nowhere to collect the ball and score in the corner. Theo was unable to add the conversion.

The rain then came down hard and an already heavy pitch became quite slippery. This probably killed any chance of quality running rugby but at half time Burton found themselves in the lead at 12-3 and seemingly in control of the game.

From the restart the visitors got into the Burton half and kicked ahead. The ball almost went dead but Burton were forced to touch the ball down for a 22 metre drop out. A poor drop out was caught by a Hereford defender and was immediately carried back into the Burton half were the visitors were awarded a penalty. The penalty attempt was missed but again the resulting drop out invited the pressure straight back on to the home team. This happened twice more as the visitors were awarded three penalties which luckily for Burton the Hereford kicker was unable to convert.

The last of these penalty offences saw a Burton player sin binned for a high tackle. The visitors were able to take advantage of their extra man in the scrum to win the ball which was transferred to the centre who crashed through for a try under the posts. The extra points were added to make the score to close for the comfort of the Burton supporters at 12-10.

With the home team back at full strength it was their turn to pressurise the visitors’ defence causing a Hereford defender to sin binned this time for not rolling away after a tackle. Theo missed the penalty but following the drop out Burton were awarded a scrum. Once again Burton showed their superiority in the set scrum and forced their way over the line for a pushover try. Number eight Will Roach got the touch down. The conversion was missed.

From the restart Burton were again awarded a penalty but with time being up Fly half Harry Titley kicked the ball to touch to end the game at 17-10. Although it was a poor second half this was a satisfying win which sees Burton consolidate their position at second place in Midlands 1 West.