HEREFORD'S poor away form continued as they suffered a fifth defeat of the season on their travels in the Midlands 1 West.

Despite going ahead at Rugby Lions the Wyeside side conceded five tries and were beaten 38-15 despite scoring twice late on.

The Hereford backs looked dangerous from the kick off and from a quick tap penalty, James Stubbs offloaded to Tom Ewins who was stopped short of the line. The forwards provided quick ball from the ruck and a long pass from Bryn Goodall put Connah Harding in for a try.

The Hereford lead did not last long, they were penalised for hands in the ruck on the 22. The Lions took a quick tap and their forwards drove for the line, when the drive was halted, a forward dived over for a try.

Despite some good handling from the Hereford backs, the Lions added to their lead with a second try, after a catch and drive from a lineout to make it 17-5 at half-time.

Early in the second half the Lions moved the ball well between backs and forwards and Hereford were penalised for not releasing, the Lions kicked to touch and from the lineout set up a rolling maul to drive over for a try.

Early in the last quarter the Lions moved the ball through the hands for a centre to race over for a splendid try, which he converted himself. Another quick tap penalty took the ball to the Hereford line, the Lions forwards set up the ruck and a flank forward broke from the scrum and reached out to touch down for their fifth try.

During the final ten minutes Hereford registered a couple of tries, first a quick penalty set up the opportunity for Gareth Jones to race over and then after a penetrating run, Connah Harding gave a well-timed pass to James Stubbs for the final score.

Bromyard moved from the foot of the Midlands 3 (South) table despite suffering a 17-12 defeat at the hands of title challenges Rugby St Andrews.

First half tries from Pat Hill and Will Teece wasn't enough to stop title chasing St Andrews from taking victory, but did earn a loosing point.

Meanwhile Ledbury remain within touching distance of second place following a 21-15 home victory against Old Leamingtonians.

Outside-centre Matt Hallett scored a brace for the hosts opening his account in the first minute after running down the blindside.

His second try came when Hallett escaped from his own 22-metre line down after being released from a ruck.

George Bennion added to the Ledbury points tally with three penalties and a conversion.