WORCESTER lost a tight Midlands One West derby 9-3 at Hereford with all the points coming from penalties.

Defences were always on top and there never seemed to be a prospect of tries.

Hereford had marginally more half-chances but neither side created a clear opportunity.

Home skipper Tom Ewins said “It was a very tough game which it always is in a local derby.

"In the first half Worcester had a lot of good ball but we really showed our defence.

"The boys came out well, we stuck to it and managed to get six points from penalties.

"It was tough to break down the Worcester defence but we persevered and in the second half managed to get another penalty before Worcester came back with one of their own.

"Everyone put in 100 per cent and our defence, rucking and mauling was good but we need to work on our attacking play.

"Luke Yarrington, Gareth Jones and Matt Hill stood out in a dogged performance.

"It was a great win for the boys, never a pretty game — it never is against Worcester — but we are delighted to come out on top.”

Hereford kicked off playing up the slope and whilst territorial advantage was even Worcester did the most attacking.

The Hereford defence held firm and never looked like conceding a try and made the occasional promising sortie.

A couple of Worcester errors allowed Hereford to take a six-point half-time lead with a brace of penalties both landed by James Stubbs.

Early in the second half Hereford mounted strong attacks but the Worcester defence held firm and the Wyesiders' reward was just a third penalty from Stubbs.

Worcester responded with a penalty and lost a man to the sin-bin with a yellow card.

Hereford were unable to capitalise on the man advantage but edged the win.

On Saturday, Hereford host Lutterworth and Worcester welcome Sutton Coldfield.

Leaders Bromsgrove won 32-19 at Rugby Lions.

Midlands Two West (South) leaders Malvern romped home 85-7 at Old Yardleians while second-placed Droitwich beat Earlsdon 35-14.

Evesham moved up to fifth with a 10-8 win at Berkswell and Balsall.

Kidderminster fell to the bottom of Midlands Two West (North) with a 26-13 home defeat to Leek.

Bromyard recorded their first Midlands Three West (South) win of the season with a 35-0 home triumph over Manor Park.

Upton lost 24-21 to Old Leamingtonians while Ledbury's game at Dunlop was abandoned due to a bad injury to a home player.

Pershore crashed 59-19 at Stoke Old Boys in Midlands Four West (South) but Tenbury picked up their first league win of the campaign by beating Harbury 19-14.

Midlands Five West (North) leaders Greyhound saw off Chaddesley Corbett 45-31.

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

Midlands One West: Bromsgrove v Stoke; Hereford v Lutterworth; Worcester v Sutton Coldfield.

Division Two West (South): Evesham v Droitwich; Malvern v Silhillians.

Division Two West (North): Ludlow v Kidderminster.

Division Three West (South): Ledbury v Woodrush; Old Coventrians v Bromyard; Old Wheatleyans v Upton.

Division Four West (South): Pershore v Tenbury; Redditch v Stoke Old Boys.