HEREFORD RFC paid their respects to Club President Roger James known to all as Jesse, and marked the occasion with a spirited derby victory.

Despite Leon Parson's early try the hosts found themselves 13-5 behind at half-time against Worcester only for an emphatic second half fight-back which resulted in two tries and two penalties leading to a 23-16 win.

Player/coach Luke Fisher said: “As usual this was a closely contested and tight game between local rivals with both sides playing some good rugby and the boys, especially Leon Parsons, put in a very good defensive performance.

"Worcester took a lead into half-time and we talked about tightening up and being more direct in the second half. This we did with James Stubbs kicking to the corner and putting pressure on Worcester.

"The back row put in a good performance with Matt Pritchard leading by example and the front five had a tough afternoon against a powerful Worcester pack. They dug in and worked well together to give the backs the ball they needed and played the game out pinning Worcester in the corner.

"A very good performance, just what we needed get the win, breaking a run of five losses and a fitting goodbye to our mate Jesse.”

Hereford had the perfect start when Parsons made a penetrating run into the Worcester 22 to score an individual try in the corner.

The visitors replied with two penalties either side of an individual try to give themselves as 13-5 lead at the break.

Hereford started brighter in the second half and from the lineout Gareth Jones made ground, the move was carried on to the line by Parsons and scrum-half Rhys Procter crossed for the try.

Hereford regained the lead when a break by Perry Pudge was carried on by Matt Hill for the third try, converted by James Stubbs to take the score to 17 – 13. Worcester landed a penalty to cut the deficit to a single point, but two penalties from Stubbs closed the game off at 23-16.