Ledbury Rugby Club came to a crashing halt on Saturday following a run of results that had seen them rise to equal second in the Midlands West Three (South) league table.

PERSHORE 27pts, LEDBURY 13pts

Having beaten Pershore already twice this season, at home in the league and North Midlands Cup, the home side were looking to stem the flow of defeats. This they did with consummate ease as Ledbury floundered in defence, were indecisive in attack, fragile in the scrum and inaccurate at the line out.

From the kick off Ledbury were on the back foot defending deep in their half, an early injury to hooker Simon Wragg did not help as Ledbury failed to gel as they have done in recent games. Pershore were quick to take advantage of Ledbury's disorganisation and a break cutting back for their inside centre sliced Ledbury open for the open side flanker to score.

Ledbury looked a little more settled after the first try and a penalty kick from new dad Mark Gould brought Ledbury back into the game, the expectant crowd hoped this would put some fire into their bellies. Alas this was not to be, a wild pass was intercepted and the Pershore winger had an easy run in for the try from inside his own half as the Ledbury defence showed little desire in stopping him.

The Ledbury cause was hindered further as Russ Putland limped off with a pulled muscle, he was replaced by the welcome return from a shoulder injury of James White.

Gould kept Ledbury in touch with a further penalty kick to bring the score to 12-6. Pershore were to have the final say before half time exposing the defence to score in the corner.

With the score at half time 17-6 Ledbury were first off the blocks and a well worked try scored by the ever tackling and frenetic Rob Collins. Ledbury were beginning to play a more structured game but this was all undone by an erratic quick throw at the line out which was caught perfectly by Pershore's open side who duly scored.

Ledbury were now beaten and looked a tired, demoralised side, Greg Powell came off the bench and produced some fine bullocking runs but it was too late and Pershore scored a late try to round off a dismal day at the office.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury travel to unbeaten league leaders Nuneaton Old Edwardians for a game that could determine the outcome of their season.