Bishops Castle 7 pts Ledbury 12

LEDBURY took advantage of Stourport's inactivity to take over the leadership of North Midlands 1.

It was a classic game of rugby in which Castle's heavier pack held sway in the difficult conditions but the Ledbury backs looked dangerous every time they got limited possession.

It was pressure from the visitors' backs which forced Castle to concede two penalties, both of which were converted by Pete Elkington.

Hampered by the loss of Mick Christopherson through injury, Ledbury's pack eventually cracked just before the break as the home pack drove over for a try. This was converted to give them a one point interval advantage.

The visitors stepped up a gear after the changeover and moved the ball around to run the steam out of the much bigger home pack. This paid dividends and the balance of the game slowly changed.

Further pressure resulted in two more penalty awards to Ledbury and the reliable Elkington slotted both to regain the lead. Although Castle tried to get back into the game, resolute defending, with Mark Morrison and Mark Ball prominent, saw Ledbury home.

The race for league honours is hotting up, and although Ledbury are two points clear of Stourport, the second-placed club have a game in hand with a slightly superior points difference.