KIDDERMINSTER Carolians were kicking themselves after letting a lead slip late-on and crash to defeat against Hereford.

KC went behind after five minutes following a rolling maul which resulted in a try for the visitors.

However Kidderminster hit back and began to dominate possession to probe the opposing defence.

The hard work paid off with a well taken try by Matt Parker, converted by Andy McLellan.

Further domination, including four consecutive penalties close to the Hereford line, failed to produce more points and eventually they paid the price.

With a minute to go to half time KC were awarded a penalty in their own 22 and a good clearance kick found touch.

However they lost their lineout and Hereford went through the phases to score an unconverted try taking the half time score to 7-10.

The second half began with both sides playing well, KC continued to have territorial advantage and looked dangerous.

Rob Phillips,Matt Rigsby, Tom Mayer and Simon Clarke all made good ground.

Ryan Tiene finally made the breakthrough after running in a try which was converted by Andy McLellan to put the hosts in front by four points.

With six minutes to go KC failed to clear a ball in their 22 and gifted possession to Hereford's forwards who bagged a converted try.

KC came back to pile more pressure on Hereford whose defence was continually tested.

With a minute left Kidderminster committed to attack an error allowed Hereford to score a breakaway try from their own 22 meters.

This was converted and the final whistle sounded victory for Hereford with a 14-24 scoreline.

Carolians remain rooted to the bottom of Midlands One (west) without a win, next Saturday they travel to league leaders Kenilworth.