CALLUM Duncan has praised the role of Hereford coach Bob Stewart after starring in his side’s 29-10 win against Silhillians that boosts their promotion hopes in Midlands 1 West.

The flanker has been drafted in to the team this season from the Colts side and grabbed the second try for Hereford in the routine victory.

“Since Bob has been in charge of the club, he has drafted us in when he thinks we’re ready and it shows we’re coming through quite comfortably,” said Duncan.

“I have played about five or six games now but am still playing for the Colts and am enjoying it.

“I was quite happy with my performance and got around the pitch quite well and made my tackles.”

Stewart also commended Duncan’s performance, as well as that of fellow flanker Tom Slater.

“I was very happy with the back row and have got two young Colts players down the flanks,” said Stewart.

“We’re lost three youngsters in the back row but Callum Duncan stepped up well and got a couple of more in the Colts who are waiting to get their chance.

“I was also very impressed with James Harris at number eight who gave us a bit of spark and didn’t miss any tackles.”

Hereford got off to a dream start when Sean Day crashed over to score a try after only 35 seconds.

Morgan Goodall missed the conversion and Silhillians bounced back to score their own try through Tom Lee. Harry Law kicked over the extras to put the Solihull side 7-5 ahead.

Hereford bounced back in style though and went in front through Duncan’s try.

Day added his second try on the 30-minute mark following a flowing team move to make it 15-7, which Goodall successfully converted.

Eight minutes after the break, Silhillians reduced the deficit to seven points through a Day penalty after Slater was yellow carded for an alleged offence in the ruck.

"I thought there was a bit of ill-discipline in their team so took matters into my own hand,” said Slater.

“I thought it was 50/50 but the ref’s in charge, so that’s fair enough."

Any attacking play was very restricted with Hereford struggling to exert their authority.

Nevertheless,their defence held firm and Silhillians never looked like adding to their score.

It was left to Jamie Bullock to seal the win six minutes from time following a push-over try, with Tom Ewins adding the gloss at the death after sprinting down the field; Goodall converted.

The bonus point win lifts the Wyesiders to third in the league table, two points behind Stoke-on-Trent with a game in hand.

Coach Keiran Hallam said the team fancy their chances of going up,

“If we win against Barkers Butts it will put us second and fighting for promotion, which is what we’re looking for,” said Hallam.

“Three or four teams are looking for that second place and we fancy our chances of going up.”

Stewart added that the team is starting to put into practice what they have been working on in training.

“With difficult playing conditions it’s difficult to keep the tempo going, but in the first 20 minutes we were outstanding,” he said.