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Match report
Ledbury 1st XV concluded their home league programme with a stunning performance at Ross Road on Saturday, defeating champions Spartans by seven tries to one in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. They now travel to third placed Old Coventrians on Saturday 19 April with both teams equal on league points but with Ledbury having a superior points difference meaning that a draw will see Ledbury promoted. Having won the toss, Spartans elected to play against the slope and the considerable wind, hoping to restrict the home team and take advantage of the elements in the second half. To a degree their tactics were successful in that Ledbury led by only 13 points to 3 at the break, but by then the Ross Road side had begun to dominate in crucial areas of the game. Spartans powerful pack of forwards had caused some early problems for the Ledbury scrum and the strong wind made it difficult to gain good line out possession, but with the boost of an early try by James Handley, Ledbury created a number of chances to extend their lead. However it was not until some fine handling saw centre Leo Lockwood crash over after thirty four minutes that they moved further ahead, this being followed by an exchange of penalties, with Luke White slotting over one for Ledbury. Anticipating Spartans tactics of playing for territory with the wind advantage, Ledbury took every opportunity to run the ball and with fly half Bruce Ruthven controlling the game tactically their adventurous play was rewarded by three tries in ten minutes. The first was scored by James Handley after forty six minutes and was a wonderful effort involving interplay between forwards and backs. This was followed by a forward drive leading to hooker Jock Welch’s eighth try of the season and then another for young scrum half Peter Wood. Two conversions by White put Ledbury out of sight at 32 points to 3. Spartans did their best to rally, but were restricted to one converted try, being constantly unable to breakthrough Ledbury’s outstanding midfield defence of Ruthven, Lockwood and Jack Wilesmith. There was still time for two further tries, a third for the tireless Handley who seemed to cover every blade of grass during the afternoon, and a second for Lockwood who anticipated a long midfield pass from Spartans and ran some sixty metres after intercepting. Both tries were converted by White to leave Ledbury convincing winners. All minds are now firmly fixed on next Saturday’s crunch game in Coventry, and coaches are being provided for those supporters wishing to travel and cheer on the team in this vital match. Details of the travel arrangements can be obtained from the club on 01531 631788. |
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