HEREFORD back Mark Philo sustained an horrific leg break on Saturday during the Wyesiders' match against Kenilworth in Midlands 1 West.

Philo fractured both his tibia and fibula, as well as dislocating his ankle, while going in for a try.

The match was halted for nearly an hour while Philo was treated before taking to hospital.

He is due to have an operation this afternoon and Hereford coach Bob Stewart said it was just a freak accident.

"Their flanker made a last-ditch tackle and it was a freak injury," said Stewart.

"But what I will say is that both physios were outstanding and it was just shows that you need to have people with expertise on the touchline.

"The ambulance crew were also really good and a lot of people passed on their regards.

"If it was more serious, then we probably would have stopped the game, but you can't let the players think and dwell on it and both teams played until the end./

"But, obviously there was a subdued atmosphere in the crowd."

Hereford lost the match 16-5, which pretty much puts an end their chance of nabbing a play-off spot.

"It was disappointing because we had lots of opportunities," added Stewart.

"We were playing for the bonus points, but by doing that, it led to their first try.

"So there was a lack of composure and, if we had taken those opportunities, I think we would have won the game comfortably."

Kenilworth opened the scoring with a try after catching Hereford cold with a quick penalty.

The try was converted to put the Warwickshire side 7-0 up.

Hereford's Dean Powell was then shown a yellow card for swinging an arm, but the Wyesiders were able to still threaten.

They eventually scored a try when Callum Duncan claimed the ball from a line-out to set up Luke Yarranton to go over.

But a couple of offences by the Hereford defence led to a penalties, which Kenilworth converted.

The home side then increased their lead after the break thanks to another penalty before Philo's horror injury.

When the game resumed, Hereford continued to make unforced errors and captain Ali McColl was yellow carded for an alleged stamp.

The home side then held on for the win.