LEDBURY RFC completed their season with some silverware taking the North Midlands Shield after a 44-38 victory over Old Saltleians.

Ledbury eased any pre-final nerves by opening the scoring after kicking for the corner from an early penalty and trundled over for a try after a rolling maul, Ed Bennion touching down with George Wallin converting (7-0).

However, Old Saltleians soon responded when a clever clearance kick gave them an attacking position just inside the Ledbury 22 and from the ensuing line out were able to replicate Ledbury’s try (7-7).

From the kick-off deft handling and a probing chip caught Ledbury asleep allowing in a soft try (7-14) giving Old Saltleians the lead for the first time.

Saltleians’ physicality was proving a challenge for Ledbury and another chip kick saw their scrum half Tom Lee scramble over for a third swift try (7-21).

However, Ledbury rebounded immediately and, putting the ball through the hands, were able to score when George Wallin created space for Ed Bennion to ground his second and duly added the extras (14-21).

Ben Stevens was at his abrasive best when, from an innocuous penalty, Dave Sutherland found Stevens who proceeded to smash his way through several tackles and level the scores with Wallin once more doing the honours to level the score at 21-21 in a frantic opening 30 minutes.

Ledbury continued to dominate territory and nudged ahead when a penalty was awarded on their opposition’s 22, which Wallin deftly popped over (24-21).

Meanwhile Old Saltleians No4, Ryan Lee, came off second best against Ledbury’s wrecking ball, Ben Stevens, leaving the pitch for good and Ledbury were able to increase their tenuous lead with a further penalty from Wallin (27-21).

 Old Saltleians were however still causing Ledbury problems at scrum time and scored their fourth try (27-26), unconverted.

 

Iolo Bubb marked his distinguished firsts debut when, under considerable pressure, the youngster kicked Ledbury into a great attacking position with an outstanding 50/22, slotting the ball right on the Old Saltleians line.

The line-out was duly won and Alex Voisey sliced through the defence to touch down (32-26), grateful for a slender lead as the half-time whistle sounded.

As the second half got underway play started to open up and Charlie Barber-Starkey was yellow carded in attempting to deny Old Saltleians a try, (32-31).

From the kick-off, Old Saltleians failed to gather, giving Ledbury vital possession - a pouncing Wallin swung the ball wide to set up Dan Smith for a well worked try and, to cue, added the extras (39-31).

Ledbury sensed victory after furthering their lead after kicking for the corner and from the line-out flanker Ben Day acrobatically touched down one handed in the corner (44-31).

The last 10 minutes were nail biting for the Herefordshire side, with Old Saltleians throwing everything into attack and having the upper hand territorially. Winger Zak Mann crucially touched down in the corner and from the touch line Lewis Beaty converted, (44-38).

Despite Old Saltleians pushing for a late winner the Herefordshire side hung on for a slender victory.