FOLLOWING encouraging signs of improvement prior to the festive break, Ledbury took on mid-table Bedworth in the Midlands Three West (South) league on Saturday at Ross Road.

LEDBURY 15PTS, BEDWORTH 13PTS

Bedworth themselves have had a tremendous run of late beating Silhilians and Stratford, who are in second and third respectively in the table.

In the away draw earlier this season, Ledbury held their hosts to a point difference at half-time but were blown away in the second-half, losing by over 50 points.

With two wins from their last two games Ledbury's confidence was high and new playing strategies were about to be tested. From the kick-off, Ledbury were immediately under pressure from a large and mobile Bedworth pack. The pressure was absorbed and Ledbury began to pick their game up after a relatively slow start.

Playing territorial rugby in the visitors' half created frustration in the Bedworth hooker, who threw a punch. Tukia Muli converted the penalty for an early lead.

Bedworth responded shortly after with a well-worked try in the corner that went unconverted, taking the score to 5-3.

From the kick-off, Ledbury were in the ascendanc. Following a scrum awarded after Ledbury nearly scored, Rob Collins split the visitors' defence with a sniping run from the base of the scrum. The try was converted and Ledbury went in at half-time with a lead of 10-8 after a successful penalty-kick from Bedworth.

The first-half success was marred when two of the home side's key players had to leave the field, Jack McCarthy with a dislocated shoulder and Chris Spolelstra with a blow to the head.

The second-half saw a tremendous effort from the home side and 80 per cent of the period was played in the visitors' half, the pressure almost turned into points on several occasions. A dropped ball over the line was the pinnacle of disappointment.

From a clearing kick that found Kierham Hallam, an attempted Gary Owen was charged down and from being camped on the Bedworth try-line, within seconds Ledbury were defending desperately on their own line.

Bedworth sensed that they had a chance to steal the game and almost did so with a try after several phases of play on the Ledbury line. The home defence was excellent but had to give after such sustained pressure.

With 15 minutes to go, Ledbury were well and truly on top and were faced on several occasions with the decision to kick for goal or go for the outright win.

The latter option took preference and the Ledbury pack and backs bludgeoned their opponents for the next 12 minutes. Finally, James White raced away and scored a well-deserved try in the corner. The try went unconverted but Ledbury only needed to see out the final three minutes.

From the restart, the ball was gathered and cleared by the slightly injured and bruised Rob Collins. The forwards turned the ball over from the following line-out and attacked until the final whistle.

The win was well deserved and the scrummaging of Keith McCulloch and Sean Nash was exemplary, with weight and bulk being provided by Pascal Sleese and Dave Fotherby.

The back-row performance was as good as it has been all season, with Matt Williams reverting to 8 after Jack McCarthy's departure. Tyson Desouza was tireless as was the ever-present Sam Scholefield.

Ledbury now have two crucial league games at home, where all support is gratefully received. Tomorrow (Saturday), they welcome Keresley and next Saturday (January 21), Old Leamingtonians are the visitors.