LEDBURY overcame Herefordshire rivals Bromyard 10-0 in the third annual Cotton Cup charity match.

The contest commemorates the passing of Ledbury’s revered chairman, captain and coach, Julian Cotton, a stalwart of the club for over 40 years.

Both sides selected rotating players from squads of 30, a mixtures of their respective firsts and seconds teams.

Harry Harris and John Pudge led their respective sides to engage in a game of four quarters.

Despite dull and overcast conditions a crowd of over 500 spectators was given a treat of festive rugby.

Playing downhill in the first half, Bromyard began well, pinning their opposition back, but Ledbury’s firm defence kept them scoreless.

That was until Jonny Whitting broke clear and, with some deft handling, allowed Luke Clarke to beat his man and touch down for a try after 20 minutes play.

Bromyard were competing hard, but unable to create a scoring opportunity. Ledbury increased their lead when Carter latched onto a neat chip kick from Jamie Rayfield, who was masterful in the muddy conditions, for a further try (10-0).

After half-time Ledbury dealt with the atrocious conditions marginally better than Bromyard with solid defence, despite the blurring of kits caked in mud.

Cam Hunter went tantalisingly close to scoring, but was shoved into touch five metres out in the corner.

Several scoring opportunities went begging for Ledbury as they gradually dominated play, but Bromyard never gave up the fight.

The last 10 minutes saw a stirring revival from Bromyard and Ledbury had to work extremely hard to keep them out, which they managed.

The match resulted in an impressive £1,085 being raised for St Michael’s Hospice and Cancer UK.