With a number of players unavailable through work or other commitments, Hereford, whose meagre tally of three victories this season had included a success over their hosts at Wyeside, travelled with a reduced strength side.

And although the visitors battled hard and tackled strongly, their 18th defeat of a dismal season leaves them no chance of avoiding relegation.

Stafford kicked a penalty in the early stages to take the lead but Hereford then held out for more than a quarter-of-an-hour before the home side extended their lead with a fine try. Two more tries before the turnaround put the Midlanders firmly in control.

With a deficit of more than 20 points at half-time, Hereford, by now playing with the benefit of a strong wind, might have been expected to try to keep things tight.

But instead, they tried to run everything and eventually mistakes were punished by the home side who finished easy winners.

"Considering the team we had out it was a good effort and some of the players tackled their hearts out," said coach John Watkins.

"Now it's a question of seeing the season out and then re-grouping with the thought that we have some very good players in the youth side and some young players in the first team who just need experience."