Walsall will have to improve

Walsall's immediate boost for promotion from Midlands Two West suffered a jolt as they lost 11-7 to unfancied Hereford in their season opener.

Much improvement will have to be made to the Delves Road side if they are to compete with the best sides in a competitive division.

Two leagues separated these sides this time last year - but there was nothing between them on Saturday.

Walsall coach Gez Tillott described the result as "hugely disppointing."

He added: "I do not see Hereford being one of the better sides in the league so it was disappointing for us not to come away with the win.

"It looked like we were waiting for something to happen, which is unlike us.

"We did not start playing until about three-quarters of the game had gone and we still had a chance to sneak it in the end."

Walsall scored from a catch and drive lineout through tight-head prop Ian Bradshaw - but in hindsight their coach said they should have thrown the ball wider, earlier.

Tillott added: "We seemed to play with a lack of urgency, which was odd seeing as it was the first game season. We looked good when we threw the ball wide because we have some good strength out there.

"But we also need to be showing more dominance up-front and that is something we'll improve."

Winger Alex Nangrieve did not play against Hereford due to illness, but he will return on Saturday to face Lichfield, a clash Tillott cannot wait for.

He said: "It used to be one of the big fixtures in this area in the early days of league rugby and I think it's going to be a good fixture for both clubs." Centre Dan Thompson and a prop Peter Fitzgerald are not available through injury.