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Match report29 Sept 07 Ledbury’s 1st XV produced another fine display in their latest league match on Saturday, beating an Old Leamingtonians side with a formidable home record that began the day only one point and place below them in fourth position. The defeat of leaders Spartans and a draw for second placed Old Coventrians enable Ledbury to move into joint second position with just five games to go. The clubs progress was further highlighted by the 2nd XV’s 40 point win at Droitwich which strengthened their lead at the top of their merit table. Ledbury totally dominated the first twenty minutes of the match, subduing the ambitions of Old Leamingtonians and leaving them little option to kick for touch with the prevailing wind in an attempt to restrict the visitors scoring opportunities. However, all Ledbury had to show for their superiority was a penalty from full back Luke White and another try for hooker Jock Welch from a well practiced line out drive. Old Leamingtonians defended with skill and determination, and produced a number of last ditch tackles to prevent Ledbury from establishing an unassailable lead by half time, captain Andy Cooper being particularly unfortunate not to be awarded a try by the unsighted referee just prior to the break. White extended the lead with a well struck penalty after five minutes of the second half, and although not out of reach at 11-0 Ledbury were not put under serious pressure until Old Leamingtonians scored a converted try against the run of play after fifty five minutes. Their morale lifted by the chance of an unlikely victory, the home team pressed hard for a brief time but having been held in check by Ledbury’s strong defence they succumbed to an excellent try created inside their own half finished by Leo Lockwood who received an inside pass from White with fifteen minutes left. At 16 points to 7 there was no way back for Old Leamingtonians and it was Ledbury who looked the more likely to score again, and they did so in the final minute when White finished off some accurate passing to touch down near the posts, converting his own try to see Ledbury run out deserved winners by 23 points to 7.Whilst Ledbury’s backs looked dangerous on a number of occasions, it was the forwards who once again laid the ground for victory with the scrum being particularly impressive against much larger opponents. The league programme resumes in two weeks away to Copeswood, this Saturday’s fixture being a friendly at Tewksbury. |
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