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Match reportOLD COVENTRIANS 1ST XV 44 LEDBURY 1ST XV 0
In end it was a game too far for Ledbury’s 1st XV. Having played so well in their decisive victory over the champions the week before, Ledbury could not raise their game enough to overcome an excellent Old Coventrians team who were promoted to Midlands 3 West (South) in their place.
Cheered on by the many supporters who undertook the long journey, Ledbury were unable to prevent the much larger and stronger home forwards from dominating from the outset, in the scrum and breakdown area particularly, and could not therefore provide enough possession for their backs to put any consistent pressure on their opposite numbers. Old Coventrians backs, by contrast, had a great deal of good ball to run and pass with, and to their credit this is precisely what they did to score some fine tries.
By playing into a very strong wind in the first half Ledbury sought to absorb early pressure, and despite conceding two early tries, they were still in the match at 17 points to 0 down just before the break. At this point Ledbury launched their best attack and, had winger Will Green not been stopped just short of the line, the eventual outcome might possibly have been different. However, the home team then worked their way down the pitch and scored with the last move of the half.
Ledbury’s commitment and resolve never ceased but the power of Old Coventrians was too much, and the loss of crucial players Luke White and Sam Scholefield through injury early on only made the task more difficult. All players did their best for the cause, with James Handley, Matt Williams and Jamie Williams to the fore, but when the final whistle went Old Coventrians were worthy winners.
Clearly despondent at the result, players and supporters took heart in the knowledge that significant steps forward have been taken this season and that the team will return even stronger next season. All eyes now turn to Ledbury’s 2nd XV who play their final Herefordshire/Worcestershire Merit Table game away at Pershore on Saturday, knowing that victory will confirm them as champions. Once again supporters are welcome and details of travel arrangements can be obtained from the club on 01532 631788. |
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