Ledbury RFC, unbeaten at home since October last year, were determined not to lose that record in this North Midlands Cup First Round tie against Pershore.

LEDBURY 1ST XV 18pts, PERSHORE 13pts

Pershore won the toss and decided to play uphill, giving Ledbury the kick off. From the start, it could be seen that Ledbury were suffering from over indulgence after the England win over South Africa the day before. Pershore opened the scoring with a penalty from an offside decision but Ledbury came back with a good try in the corner but Barrett Price missed the conversion.

Ledbury were again having problems in the scrums and tended to go back on their own ball but play in the loose was better with some great rucking and mauling which saw some good moves come together. Unfortunately the home side could not keep this play up and Pershore started to take more control of the game.

Wide ball from the Pershore backs saw a winger's try in the corner and they finished the half with a two-point deficit but firmly in the driving seat.

A strongly worded talk to the players at half time by captain Mick Christopherson saw a different side at the restart. Ledbury playing with fire in their bellies took control of the game with some fantastic commitment, especially from flanker Chris Lewens, who was the man of the match.

Ledbury were then awarded a penalty for offside, which was easily slotted by Barrett Price.

With the score now 13-8 Ledbury set up a rolling maul which saw the elder statesman of the Ledbury outfit, Chris Kitching, crash over the line for his second try of the season.

From here on in Ledbury started to wane and Pershore came back into the game. Another wide ball saw a late try for the visitors which was unconverted.

Ledbury held on and the final score of 18-13 saw them through to the next round which is against Malvern.

Ledbury are away tomorrow (Saturday) at Nuneaton Old Edwardians in the Fourth Round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. There is a coach and supporters are welcome.