Ledbury 26 pts Old Yardleians 21

HEAD coach Paul Rudland was jumping for joy after Ledbury toppled the leaders with two tries in the final seven minutes of a thrilling match at Ross Road.

Ali Martin and Tom Houlbrooke crashed over for late tries as fourth-placed Ledbury staged a stunning comeback in Midlands Three West (South).

Yardleians appeared to have done enough to win but, urged on by a large crowd following a successful vice-presidents' dinner, Ledbury refused to concede defeat and snatched the points when scrum-half Houlbrooke dived over in the last play of the match.

Rudland has just become a father for the first time and was delighted with his side's latest triumph which knocked Old Yardleians off top spot.

"If spirit and determination are going to play a part in deciding the final places at the end of the season, then we can look forward to being in a very competitive position," said Rudland.

"This division is proving to be very competitive and there are no easy games. Just four points now separate the top four teams."

After the previous week's draw at high-flying Old Wheatleyans in Coventry, Ledbury started promisingly and centre George Bennion put them ahead with a penalty after 10 minutes.

However, Yardleians soon started to play organised and structured rugby and used their advantage of the slope to establish a lead of 10-6 lead at the break thanks to a converted try and a penalty answered by a second Bennion strike for the hosts.

The visitors moved further ahead as the second-half progressed, scoring two more penalties to one from Bennion

Ledbury pulled level with an excellent move as experienced fly-half Kieram Hallam touched down.

Soon after, however, Yardleians scored a well constructed try down the blind side to move 21-16 ahead.

With the final whistle approaching,Martin registered the equalising try and then Houlbrooke sealed the win.