Ledbury clinch promotion with big win over Manor Park (From Hereford Times)

Ledbury clinch promotion with big win over Manor Park

2:00pm Wednesday 18th April 2012 in Rugby

Ledbury 73 pts Manor Park 0.

TWO-try skipper Jock Welch paid tribute to his club’s supporters after Ledbury clinched promotion to Midlands Three West (South) in emphatic style.

“Having large numbers cheering us on has been important and has certainly played a part in our 100 per cent home league record,” said Welch whose side saw off third-placed Manor Park with a decisive 80-minute display.

Ali Day ran in the first of Ledbury’s 11 tries inside the first minute and Ben Smith kicked a penalty to extend the lead shortly afterwards.

Smith added the conversion when Tom Dines went over for a second try and firther scores from Welch and Joel Skyers, one of which was converted by Smith, had virtually played Manor Park out of the game by the interval.

Two tries by Mark Astley, both converted by Smith, got the second period under way well and with Welsh, Jack Segust, Tim Nolan and Nick Panniers (2) all contributing further scores, which were added to by conversions from George Bennion (2) and Tom Biggs, Ledbury rounded off a big victory.

“Promotion is the result of a lot of hard work over the past few years by many players, not just those on the pitch today,” said chair of rugby Steve Burgess.

“We now have a team which is capable of competing at the higher level we will be playing at next season and our strength in depth is improving as the excellent season enjoyed by the 2nds is showing.

“There is no doubt that our head coach Paul Rudland deserves great praise for his work and for his part in developing the good spirit which exists in the squad and throughout the club.”

l Rugby union fixtures — Sport 2.