Last gasp effort sees remarkable victory

Ledbury TOURISTS 32pts

A LEDBURY RFC touring team, consisting mainly of veterans, made their sixth visit to Chiswick to play against the Civil Service and won an exciting match in the dying minutes.

Arriving in London on Friday night, Ledbury's preparation for a game played at 90 miles per hour and in baking conditions was hardly ideal.

Rob Chapman, much to his delight and surprise, scored first from at least five metres out, and Denver Rollings surged over next.

With a plentiful supply of ball from the set piece, Ledbury looked unstoppable and after flanker Tara Barnett had a try disallowed under the posts, centre John Watkins was on hand to score a majestic try, his line of running cutting a swathe through the home defence. His brother Gareth managed to convert.

The only response from the Civil Service was a try from their wing, so at half time Ledbury led 17-5. The first half also saw some terrific runs and tackles from Ledbury winger Jon Nutt, who looked the most dangerous runner on the pitch until his hamstring gave way.

Soon into the second half, the Civil Service took control of the game and with some judicious kicking from fly half Martin Wallace gained valuable territory. From there they were able to launch some blistering attacks and slowly but surely they notched up two further tries.

Without the ball, Ledbury were extremely vulnerable; the home team were determined to seal victory, and their flanker Steve Nunn seemed to be everywhere, disrupting Ledbury's game so much that it was only a question of time before they got the lead.

Ledbury scrum half Ali Smith was having a field day, with some superb breaks, which the Ledbury back row found difficult to support, but he did eventually find space to squirm over to regain the lead.

At this stage the pace of the game was causing problems for the visitors, when Rob Manning left the pitch somewhat dazed and dehydrated. Ledbury were now down to 14 men, and struggling to reorganise themselves when Civil Service promptly scored to regain the lead.

With five minutes remaining and three points adrift, things looked bleak for Ledbury, but the aged pack once more raised themselves for one last effort. Ledbury hurled themselves at the Civil Service line and skipper John Wilesmith had a try disallowed between the posts. Denver Rollings made several solo runs up the blind side until the home defence fell apart, allowing Ledbury to regain the lead. Soon afterwards Civil Service conceded a penalty in front of the posts which Gareth Watkins converted to seal a remarkable victory.