LEDBURY were found to be short of match fitness as they fell to a 10-24 home defeat to Cheltenham Tigers in their first competitive outing since before Christmas.

Following an enforced lay off, with two weather postponements of nearly a month, Ledbury faced Cheltenham on a dull overcast day with little or no wind. Fairly perfect playing conditions.

The first quarter saw Ledbury dominate the set scrummage, but it was Cheltenham who drew first blood on 14 minutes when their winger touched down after a deft kick and chase, to score in the corner.

Ledbury responded within five minutes building pressure and, able to win a scrum against the head, a neat chip kick was touched down by Iolo Bubb and the afters were provided by Jack Hughes (7-5).

Ledbury very nearly scored immediately after, with Josh Hill finding George Wallin who narrowly put a foot into touch.

A further knock on close to the line in the last moments of the first half saw Cheltenham survive the onslaught yet again.

Ledbury would later regret being unable to take their points when dominant in the first half.

As good as Ledbury had been, as the second half unfolded, the hosts stuttered, getting on the wrong side of the referee, conceding numerous penalties.

A yellow card for the Cheltenham second row forward for tackling a player without the ball eventually resulted in a well struck penalty for Jack Hughes (10-5).

Alas Cheltenham were slowly clawing their way back into contention, with Ledbury unable to penetrate a stubborn defence.

The visitors then began to boss Ledbury and it took some solid tackling and an impressive defensive mark from Josh Bishop to deny them.

Cheltenham’s diminutive right winger then unleashed a scything run right through Ledbury’s leaky defence to gift the centre a fine try that was converted after a wait of 10 minutes because of a neck injury to Josh Hill (10-12).

Buoyed by their try Cheltenham were able to score a further converted try within minutes (10-19).

The second half rout was completed when the left winger broke clear of the Ledbury defence from 60 metres out to put the match out of Ledbury’s reach (10-24).

There were two red cards issued shortly before full-time for players from either side, for an unnecessary scuffle.

Next Saturday, (January 25), sees the rescheduled match away for Ledbury at Hereford, which will likely prove a crucial fixture for both sides.