AN excellent try by captain Will Crawforth sealed an exciting 14-11 Midlands One rugby victory for Luctonians over rivals Hereford at Mortimer Park.

Crawforth pounced with five minutes left after setting off on a dazzling 60 metre run in which he beat three defenders before touching down for a crucial try which was converted by John Goodwin.

Watched by a crowd of around 500, the match was an excellent spectacle and a fine advertisement for Herefordshire rugby.

Hereford, with their forwards playing well, held the upper hand during the first half and led 6-0 at the interval thanks to a penalty each from Finbar Heavens and Jeremy Weadon.

Luctonians stepped up their performance after half time and within four minutes of the restart opened their account with a try under the posts by Goodwin.

Mark Panniers added the extra points to nudge his side into the lead.

Hereford eased back in front when Ben Jenkins went over for a try which Heavens was unable to convert.

Battling Luctonians had to soak up a fair amount of pressure before hero Crawforth touched down for his side's all-important try.

In Midlands Two West table-topping Bromsgrove maintained their unbeaten record by grinding out a 23-15 victory at Derby.

Bromsgrove, however, rarely looked comfortable and were grateful to have secured victory despite never being at their best.

Derby gave them a fright by bagging a couple of early unconverted tries.

The visitors, however, hit back with Colin Morley making up for first-choice fly-half Matt Birch's absence by contributing two tries and a penalty.

There were other touchdowns by right winger Lee Wainwright and scrum-half Rob Marshall.

In North Midlands One Upton triumphed 18-13 at Bishops Castle. The home side went ahead with two unconverted tries.

Upton reduced the deficit to 10-3 at half time with a penalty by skipper Rob Heeley.

Upton started the second half with confidence and Heeley kicked another penalty. From the restart Upton were caught offside and Castle slotted a penalty.

Centre Brad Raymond then burst through three tackles to touch down and Heeley converted to tie up the scores with 15 minutes left at 13-13.

Upton clinched victory when Nick Bennett and Ben Penson recycled the ball and after several quick passes Nigel Watson raced away to cross the line.