Ledbury travelled to Nuneaton for this rearranged Midlands Three West (South) fixture, confident that they had seen enough chinks in the Old Eds armour from the cup visit back in November to cause an upset against the league leaders.

NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 35pts, LEDBURY 3pts

Not many sides have faired well against the unbeaten home side this season - which has seen them concede less than 90 points in 12 league matches.

With some unfortunate availability, Ledbury were still able to send a strong squad for the job in hand, though they soon looked somewhat insipid as the home side went about their task.

They are not top without good reason and are a simply drilled side, that perform the basics of rugby football well enough to produce good field position from which to launch penetrative attacks.

Within 10 minutes, some indecision from Ledbury's defence had twice seen the Old Ed's pack trundle down the middle, recycling the ball well, before spinning out wide to Sean Krauth, one of the best finishers in this division, for two good scores.

Ledbury tried hard to find some form which has eluded the Ross Road side of late, and the reliable boot of centre Barratt Price got the black and whites on the score sheet. It seemed inevitable that the result would never be in doubt, as the lineout failed to function again and reliable primary possession was scant from the scrummage.

Nuneaton played with a verve and vigour for most of the first half, hungry for the ball at every opportunity and converted this passion for playing into points almost at will. With the howling gale to face, sleet and icy showers greeted the teams after the turn around with Ledbury 25-3 down.

A better second half by Ledbury saw the side find some resolve. They did not find their way to the home side's try line but at least stemmed the ready flow of scores of the first half.

Old Eds notched a further two scores to secure victory, running out comfortable 35-3 winners.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury are back at home, entertaining Old Coventrians in the league. There is a VP luncheon for anyone interested before the game. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.