Ledbury continued their fine form and not only managed to beat the weather last Saturday but more importantly beat Marches League division two leaders Burghill.

LEDBURY 1ST XI v BURGHILL

Once again Ledbury skipper David Taylor won the toss and chose to bat. At first this looked the wrong option as both Ledbury openers Jamie Bullock and Rob Yeoman were out with the score only on 25.

Captain Taylor, aided by Dan Baker, mounted a recovery and soon began to master the visitors bowling. They had posted a stand of 64 for the third wicket taking the score to 89 when a mix up between the two resulted in the run out of Taylor for 32 (six 4's).

Baker knew he had to take responsibility for the rest of the Ledbury innings if Ledbury were to post a decent score. Maurice Embrey after his fine early season form unfortunately failed to trouble the scorers and Ledbury were teetering at 90-4 in the 18th over.

Peter Elkington, making his debut for Ledbury, made a nervous start but soon began to play shots full of authority and with Dan Baker now in full flow, Ledbury were once again on their way to a big total. Baker passed 50 and on he went in his own majestic style, 121 runs were added for the fifth wicket by Baker and Elkington whereupon Elkington fell to Morris bowled for a splendid 45 (six 4's).

The Ledbury 200 had come up in the 34th over and it was quickly followed by Dan Baker bringing up his own milestone reaching a well deserved century. However once Baker was out for a brilliant 110 (six 4's, five 6's) the Ledbury lower middle order and tail end fell away and Ledbury closed on 249-9 after their 45 overs. Alan Edge bowled well for Burghill claiming 5-63.

Steve Large made sure that Burghill did not get off to the ideal start bowling Downes in the fourth over with one that nipped back.

M Preece joined M Pledge and between them they made sure that the visitors more than kept up with the run rate partly due to some lacklustre Ledbury bowing. Preece in particular was severe on any over pitched deliveries and played some exquisite drives.

The introduction of Elkington to the attack turned things back in Ledbury's favour when he had Pledge caught behind by Martin Punt for 34 and when Steve Evans bowled Preece for 46 Ledbury thought they were on the right track towards victory.

They did not however have things all their own way as first K Morris (25) and then N Box (26) kept Burghill in the game but Steve Large in his second spell removed them both and the only thing that could prevent a Ledbury victory now was the weather.

Maurice Embrey chipped in with two wickets which left just one more wicket to claim but with the rain getting heavier Ledbury knew they were on borrowed time before the umpires called a halt to proceedings. Their cause was not helped by two dropped catches but a smart piece of work by keeper Marti Punt resulted in the run out of G Smith giving Ledbury victory before the weather closed in, Burghill being all out for 184.

Ledbury beating the league leaders by 65 runs and could possible be top themselves after another fine performance which keeps them in place for promotion.