DESPITE the questionable tactics of the home side Ledbury showed their true character to produce a vital if not thrilling league victory.

KERESLEY 0, LEDBURY 16pts

Ledbury went into this vital encounter missing several of the players who had performed so well in last week's superb display against Old Leomingtonians.

After the pre-match banter and stirring speech from skipper Christopherson, Ledbury hit the ground running. But unfortunately for them the only thing that Keresley wanted to do was fight. This was evident from the first whistle when the Keresley open side decided to throw a wild punch at prop Cameron Doig and subsequently spent 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Ledbury were playing all the rugby but all they had to show for their dominance was a Barret Price penalty.

The Keresley flanker returned to the match, but his teammates seemed to want a rest in the bin as well, and their prop forward connected with a haymaker, which sent Ledbury skipper Mick Christopherson crashing to the ground. Amazingly the referee only produced a yellow card.

This seemed to stir the Ledbury pack who produced a rolling maul from the next lineout only to be stopped short by an infringing Keresley player. From the penalty quick-thinking from player coach Rob Collins saw Isiah crash over from close range. The try went unconverted.

The game then became very scrappy with Ledbury attempting to play rugby and Keresley continuing to seek other methods of enjoyment. Ledbury did manage another score before half time and the move was sparked again by the quick-thinking Rob Collins, which saw him start the move with a half break. The forwards set up a ruck in midfield, again Collins sniped down the blind side to feed his backs. When Elkington was dumped after receiving a hospital pass, the move seemed to be breaking down, only for Collins to scoop up the loose ball, beat to cover defence before feeding his skipper who fell over from three yards. The try was unconverted but Ledbury led 10-0 at the break.

After words of encouragement from assistant coach Rod Thomas during the interval Ledbury knew they would have to control the game and their discipline.

Ledbury defended with some great tackles from Ed Winchester, Young and Doig to mention a few. Despite concerted effort from the home team they were simply held by a Ledbury team full of confidence. Barret Price landed another penalty. Ledbury then closed out the game and were comfortable winners.

Skipper Christopherson said: "I am extremely pleased with the way we stuck to our task, we did not drop to their level of play."

Assistant coach Thomas added: "We could have let ourselves down out there, I am really proud of the lads, and we are looking forward to observing other results from Keresley's remaining home fixtures as this is not an easy place to come and win."