HEREFORD had to make do with only a losing bonus point after going down16-12 to Moseley Oak in Midlands 1 West.

The Wyesiders produced some excellent attacking rugby but failed to capitalise on first half gains.

Early on, Hereford kicked to the corner from a penalty, won the lineout and from the drive some quick hands transferred the ball to Nathan Boden who scored in the corner.

The Wyesiders then extended their lead when James Stubbs beat two defenders before chipping across field.

His kick found Perry Pudge, who fathered to touch down for the second try.

Dean Powell's conversion gave Hereford a 12 point lead with barely 20 minutes played.

Ben Osbourne was Hereford's main threat, so Moseley Oak changed tactics to keep the ball away from him.

The home side subsequently reduced the deficit with a penalty and unconverted try, taking the half time score to 12-8 in favour of Hereford.

Mosley Oak managed to grind out the win after the break with eight points; a penalty and an unconverted try.

Hereford's cause was not helped when Brad Talbot was shown a red card when his elbow accidentally caught a Mosley Oak player's face.

The defeat means Hereford may still need a couple more points from their remaining three games to guarantee they stay in the division.

"We are nearly there," said player coach Luke Fisher.

"I can’t fault the effort, but the bounce of the ball did not go our way.

"We now have some tough games to come, but are determined to get the points we need."