Ledbury made the short trip to Piddle Park to play an in-form Pershore side in this Midlands West Three (South) fixture.

PERSHORE RFC 3pts, LEDBURY RFC 7pts

Ledbury, missing key players Allen Dixon and the combative Russ Putland, chose to play with the wind behind them, but soon found themselves 3-0 down when Pershore fly half James Masters slotted home a 40-metre penalty.

Ledbury then began to find their feet, Tom Green, Lee Douglas and Kieram Hallam all had chances to score but couldn't finish the moves orchestrated by returning scrum half Rob Collins.

Play was frantic and it needed an experienced head in old stager Pete Elkington to score after good work from Darren Lynch, the veteran converting his own try.

The rest of the half was a battle of defences, Pershore halting Ledbury's progress and Ledbury repelling anything Pershore had. For Ledbury James Handley was inspirational in defence, ably supported by Adam Lopez. At half time Ledbury led 7-3.

The second half was all about how much Ledbury wanted the victory. The majority of the half was played in the Ledbury 22, with Henry Blandford, Tara Barnett, Tom Green and the ever alert James Handley making telling hits to keep Pershore at bay. The scrum went well with evergreen hooker Steve Green finding skipper Matt Williams with apparent ease.

With 20 minutes to go and Pershore camped in the Ledbury half, the Pershore captain, Andy Watson got himself sinbinned, just as Pershore seemed to be in the ascendancy.

Even with a man down, Pershore were relentless in attack, but Ledbury were determined with man of the match James Handley knocking down anything in the red and black of Pershore.

The game came to an end with Ledbury hanging on for a vital win and gaining two important points in their relegation battle.

A delighted coach Liam Middleton said: "It was a testament to the spirit of the side to come to Pershore and out-battle them for the points."

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury will be looking to avenge the 30-12 away defeat by Camp Hill when they take on the Birmingham side at Ross Road, kick off 2.30pm.