LEDBURY Ladies showed that hard work pays off as they finished runners up in Luctonians Ladies Rugby Tournament.

Ledbury's lead coach Iain Hunter said that a year ago his were floundering around at the lower end of the competitive spectrum.

"Now, due to their hard work over the winter and commitment to training and improving your skills set they reaped the reward on Sunday!

"With fitness levels vastly improved, handling, passing and catching as well as inherent game awareness and overall enjoyment levels, the squad seemed not entirely convinced about what they had just achieved!

"The proof was in their results."

The signs of a good performance was there in the group stage as Ledbury beat Ross-on-Wye, Luctonians and Brecon and drew 2-2 with eventual winners Pershore.

Into the next stage of the competition, Ledbury, as second in their pool, came up against the winners of pool two, Bredon, who had ran in 22 tries during their pool stage.

However, nothing phased the ever more confident Ledbury Ladies as they clinched the tie 2-0.

The final saw Ledbury up against a strong Pershore side losing 3-1, but not without having to endure considerable pressure from the ultimate runners up.

Hunter added: “Second place on the day in only our fifth tournament ever.

"Every girl played their part without fail, all supportive of each other and everyone seemed to have good game time. It bodes well for the future growth of the Ledbury Ladies rugby section."