HEREFORD RFC coach Bob Stewart remained upbeat despite his side sustaining a heavy defeat against Midlands 1 West leaders Newport (Salop).

The Wysesiders went down 53-12, meaning they are now only five points above the drop zone.

But Stewart said his team have now played all the top teams away from home and is confident his young side can turn around their fortunes.

"The players’ attitude was good and they came back to score good tries at points in the game when a lesser side might have totally collapsed," said Stewart.

"We have an easier run to the end of the season and will target a better finish.

"Our squad is still young and with experience will only get stronger and more 'street-wise'."

Newport registered seven tries at regular intervals in the match and were too strong for a tactically naive Hereford.

Their speedy backs capitalised on every minor mistake and their finishing was clinical.

Hereford played their signature handling game and often looked dangerous with ball in hand, but rarely made progress towards the Newport goal-line.

Newport built up a first half lead with three tries, two of which were converted and a brace of penalty goals before Hereford responded with their first try.

Following a penalty to the corner, Callum Duncan won the lineout and, following a series of forward drives, Brad Talbot picked up and drove over the Newport goalline.

The conversion attempt from a difficult angle was just wide which left the interval score at 26 points to five in favour of Newport.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the Newport backs picking up on any Hereford error to run in three tries, before Hereford touched down for a second try.

Following the restart after their third second half try, Newport were penalised for a late tackle and Morgan Goodall found a good touch deep in the Newport 22.

Richard Preece won the line-out, the ball was moved infield and the forwards set up a drive for Lewis Jordan to claim the try, which Goodall improved.

With twenty minutes remaining Newport added their seventh and final try to claim the win.

"Newport were good value for the win, but the score did not reflect the effort and skill exhibited by the Hereford squad," added Hereford press officer Rob Davies.

"The pack held its own in the set pieces and the defence put in an exceptional number of tackles.

"Troy Brocklebank, James Gannon and Richard Preece caught the eye in the pack and Leon Parsons always looked threatening with ball in hand."

Hereford host Stoke-on-Trent this Saturday.