RUTHLESS Stoke took their chances and ran over four second half tries to run out 42-21 winners over Hereford in their final game of the season.

The Wyesiders had been leading 14-12 at half-time before an onslaught in the closing 24 minutes of the game.

Hereford took a fourth minute lead when James Stubbs ran over before his side awarded a penalty try after their driving maul was brought down right on the Stoke goal-line.

However, Gareth Jones was shown a contentious yellow card and talented youngster Matt Lawrence had to leave the field with an ankle injury. In added time before the break, Stoke pressure on the Hereford line exposed a gap for a try, to which the extras were added.

Hereford increased their lead eight minutes after the break when Ben Osbourne's kick was followed up by Luke Fisher for an opportunist try to put them a 21-12 lead.

However, the hosts proved too strong and ran away clear winners in the latter stages.

"All in all it’s been a successful season, we have a young bunch of boys who play for each other and we are just looking to build ready for next season," said Hereford coach Sean Lynn.

"It’s been an enjoyable season and we are all looking forward to a break and then back to it in July.”