LEDBURY were knocked out of the RFU National Cup following a 29-17 defeat by Shrewsbury whose big forwards caused problems with their creative play and hard running lines.

Shrewsbury took until the half hour mark to break the deadlock until two quick tries gave them a 12-0 lead.

In response George Bennion slotted over a penalty to reduce Ledbury’s arrears to nine points.

Ledbury’s line speed in defence is something they have been working on throughout pre-season and it was this that saw them bag a seven pointer just before the break.

Shrewsbury looked to break out wide only for a mistake allowing Johnny Whitting, who showed serious pace and drove under the posts for his first try of the afternoon and the season, converted by Bennion to make it 12-10 at the break.

Ill-discipline from Ledbury was noted by the referee all too often and finding themselves defending a huge Shrewsbury pack soon took its toll with Shrewsbury scoring three more tries in the second half with the final one coming right at the death.

However, a stand-out performance from Whitting around the breakdown was rewarded with another try, this time for a charge down from an attempted kick as the game ended 29-17.

Ledbury return to league action this weekend when they travel to newly promoted Coventry Welsh, before returning home on October 27 with their first Vice Presidents Luncheon of the season.

Tickets are still available behind the bar or by email enquire@thepavilionrooms.co.uk.