HISTORY was made on Saturday as Ledbury 1sts played and won their first match in the NPI Intermediate Cup against Ludlow.

LEDBURY 26pts, LUDLOW 12pts

After a mixed performance last week Ledbury needed to improve and it was obvious from the start that the mid-week training was to prove beneficial.

From the kick off the forwards led by Vice-Captain Vince Bell and backs controlled by fly half Richard Hall were much more organised.

Ledbury won the toss and played up the hill in the first half. From the kick off Ledbury drove forward with excellent rucking and mauling further exacerbated by flankers Neil Price and Sam Schofield who put on a dazzling display.

With Ledbury dominating the first half, it was only going to be a matter of time before they scored. Ludlow defended resolutely however, until 20 minutes into the game Ledbury taking a line out ball against the head fed the ball along the back line and out to winger Jerry Jehan who skipped down the wing to score. Not converted. Ledbury continued to dominate but the half finished 5-0.

Ledbury started the second half in a similar style and a disorganised and rapidly tiring Ludlow squad conceded three penalties in quick succession which Richard Hall kicked with ease.

With the game at 14-0 and some 20 minutes remaining Ledbury opened up the play with an attacking period, the ball passing with ease throughout the backs and exceptional tight play in the pack with a number of scrums taken against the head. A well worked set piece saw Jehan go through for his second, before a breakaway secured Ludlow's first score.

Not long afterwards however an interception five yards out from the Ludlow try line saw Richard Hall send a delightful dummy before taking the ball over the line to take his points tally for the game to 16. With Mark Gould forced to leave the field due to injury, but Ledbury down to 14 men continued to play flawlessly but the one man overlap proved too much in the dying seconds of the game when Ludlow again scored. Full time score 26-12.

Ledbury entertain local rivals Upton in their first league game tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 3pm. All support much appreciated for this local derby.

On Thursday (Sept 21) Ledbury play Gloucester Acadamy of Rugby under floodlights at Ross Road, kick-off 7.15pm. Come and watch the future's talent.