GREYHOUND threw away a commanding lead against Midlands 5 West (North) leaders Essington, going down 22-18.

Essington went in to the game unbeaten, but Greyhound flew out of the blocks, with number eight Elliot Phillips bursting through the visitors' defence to go over the line.

Greyhound started playing some slick rugby and this culminated in an Ali Paton try eight minutes later.

Essington were under pressure for most of the half, but managed a try and a penalty to go into the break two points behind.

But the visitors soon went ahead in the second half thanks to two more tries, before Rob Gummer kicked over a penalty.

Oli Paton grabbed another try, but Essington held on for the win.

Ledbury thrashed Old Wheatleyans 50-3 to jump back up to second place in Midlands 3 West (South) following two successive defeats.

Matt Hallett continued his fine run of form by opening the scoring with a try, converted by Dave Bromage, before the latter went over.

Scott Matthews then crossed over for his first try of the season to take Ledbury into the half-time break 17-3 ahead.

Bromage increased his side's lead with his second try of the day, which he converted, before Ledbury scored a series of tries.

First Jamie Rayfield scored, converted by Bromage, before Aaron Almond went over.

Rayfield kicked over the extras on that occasion, Stu Martin then scored a try before Bromage converted Aaron James's touchdown.

Toby Rivers gave a man-of-the-match performance for Bromyard, who comfortably beat Church Stretton 46-0 in Midlands 4 West (North).

Rivers opened the scoring with a try in the first minute, before Jamie Gibbons, Matt Swain, John Pudge and Ollie Barrett went over before half-time.

Stretton enjoyed a brief period of pressure after the break, but Chris Muntz Torres, Sam Sayce and Rivers put the result beyond doubt with further scores.

Ross-on-Wye have slipped to fifth place in Gloucester 2 after going down 21-9 to Kingswood.