Ledbury RFC look set for relegation from Midlands West Three (South) despite a battling display against third-placed Hereford at Ross Road on Saturday.

LEDBURY RFC 11pts, HEREFORD 13pts

Ledbury started well and were soon 5-0 up when their pack drove over and a Barrett Price penalty quickly made it 8-0.

The game was played at a frantic pace and Bill Sparrey, Gareth Rowlands and Dan Rosen constantly took it to their visitors, although the home defence was sound when they attacked.

Ledbury stepped up the pressure and only resolute Hereford defending kept them out. Ledbury's Barrett Price and Hereford's Jeremy Grisman exchanged penalties to give Ledbury an 11-6 lead at half-time.

Hereford started the second-half well and put Ledbury on the back-foot but they held out, with Pete Elkington and Rob Collins constantly using their experience to clear the lines.

Hereford's persistence was rewarded when a lapse in concentration gave their dangerous backs space to open up. The winger sprinted in under the posts for an easy conversion to lead 13-11 with 15 minutes to go.

Ledbury then showed spirit, which has been lacking this season, as they battled to the end. Pete Elkington hit the post for the second time with a drop-goal and two golden chances were wasted when the final pass went astray.

The line-out was going well with skipper Matt Williams and veteran Al Dixon, in his final first XV fixture, soaring for possession and the backs looked good, but Hereford didn't buckle.

With three minutes to go Barrett Price had the chance to win it with a difficult kick, but it agonisingly went wide and Hereford held on for the win.

Skipper Matt Williams said: "We can be proud of our performance today, on another day we would have won. We look to be relegated, but it is vital we stick together and bounce back next year."