WITH 16 players unavailable through injury Hereford RFC suffered a heavy 55-3 defeat at the hands of Stoke in their last away game of the season.

However, Hereford had taken an early lead through a Bryn Goodall.

Stoke soon turned the tie on its head running over eight tries.

Coach, Dave Thomas said: “After developing a good defensive pattern, too many first tackles were missed today and Stoke’s off-loading game was strong which allowed them to exploit the gaps.

"When we had the ball we did not look after it and allowed too many turnovers. The boys played the wrong game and ultimately have a lot to learn about playing against good sides.

"This was not the strongest Hereford side containing as it did 10 regular development team members and it is late in the season with nothing to play for, but that is no excuse.

"They are a team representing Hereford and they need to turn up and play in every game.”