Ledbury enjoy derby win

2:20pm Friday 26th September 2008

Ledbury 12 pts Worcester Wanderers 7.

HAVING played so poorly in their opening league match at Upton in Midlands 4 West (South), Ledbury bounced back at Ross Road to defeat possible promotion contenders Worcester Wanderers by two tries and a conversion to a converted try.

Emphasis had been placed on the need for aggressive defensive work and Ledbury’s tackling in midfield and around the fringes of the breakdown were tigerish from the outset.

Wanderers’ attackers, who enjoyed significant possession from their powerful scrum and forward drives, were constantly knocked back by centres Bruce Ruthven and Jack Wilesmith when they attempted to move the ball wide and were similarly frustrated in close quarter exchanges by Phil Sales, Pete Mehlhopt and the tireless James Handley.

Wanderers took the lead against the run of play with a converted try six minutes before the break and then proceeded to dominate the the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Ledbury were required to dig deep to prevent them establishing an unassailable lead.

Gradually the home team’s fitness began to tell and within a four-minute spell just after the hour two contrasting types of try were scored.

First, a well-constructed drive from a line-out won by skipper Matt Williams saw hooker Mehlhopt crash over with fly-half Gavin Morrison converting.

This was followed by a flowing move involving lots of players before Pete Wood scored near the posts.

Ledbury thwarted further pressure from Worcester and finished a display of determination and commitment dominant in possession and territory.

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