Ledbury Thirds will be kicking themselves following this game which they had every chance of winning.

LEDBURY III 0, CHELTENHAM CIVIL SERVICE III 14pts

Despite good passages of play, there was a distinct lack of cohesion and consistency. Cheltenham on the other hand battled well and wanted the game more than the home team.

Ledbury lost the toss but started the more brightly, sticking to their game plan of running everything.

Ledbury turned down a number of kickable penalties and were unfortunate not to score in the first 10 minutes following sustained pressure inside the opposition's 22.

The conditions were difficult and the game was strewn with penalties which made for a frustrating afternoon for players and spectators.

Good individual performances by Will Duckworth and fly half Ryan Milne gave Ledbury hope but wayward passes and silly infringements denied them any clear scoring chances.

Cheltenham played most of the game on the back foot but took advantage of the few chances they had scoring a converted try in each half. The Ledbury pack competed well in the line-outs and in the loose but were unable to secure the ball in their own scrums which caused a loss of impetus. The backs failed to make the most of the few chances they had to attack the Cheltenham defence.

Half time saw the introduction of Ben Gaunt, Neil Loader, Graham Nicholson and Harry Nolan to the Ledbury side in an attempt to change the pattern of play.

As the game wore on, the home side threw everything they had at their opponents but stout defence and a lack of invention by Ledbury saw them finish the game on the losing end of a 14-0 scoreline.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury Thirds are looking to improve on their recent form as they travel to Pershore, 12.30pm meet.