LEDBURY provided a positive statement going into the Christmas break with a 13-8 home victory against high flying Edwardians in the Regional 2 Midlands West.

The conditions were not ideal- a stiff breeze and a really heavy pitch were not going to help running rugby.

Ledbury made a great start, moving quickly into the Edwardians 22, where the ball was swung wide and then back inside to Ed Bennion travelling at speed for a try, converted by Jack Hughes after two minutes.

Ledbury’s scrummage was dominant and Luke Clarke came close after managing to break clear but without support.

The home side were punished when a scrum 10 metres from the Edwardians line saw them shovel scrappy ball to their wing who broke clear for a 50 metre run before offloading to their fly half who squeezed over in the corner for an unconverted try on 17 minutes (7-5)

As the first half progressed, Ledbury were desperate to take advantage of the slope.

Edwardians scrum was disintegrating and Jack Hughes was able to increase Ledbury’s slender lead with a penalty on the 22 with 34 minutes played.

With an exceptionally greasy ball many chances were missed which in sunnier, calmer and dryer climes would have born dividends, the try-line tantalisingly close.

Ledbury were painfully aware that they had missed numerous scoring opportunities and would have to work very hard to maintain their tenuous lead.

The wind had dropped by the start of the second half and Edwardians began well, flinging the ball wide but failing, like Ledbury, as crucial passes were dropped.

Edwardians nearly managed to replicate their first try when their No8 made good ground from a scrum on their own line, but Ledbury’s stubborn defence was on point.

A handling infringement by Edwardians was punished by Jack Hughes who stroked over a penalty 15 minutes into the second half (13-5).

Both sides were trying to play expansive rugby and Luke Clarke was again prominent with some probing runs.

Edwardians however were not finished, but some great phases of play were spoilt by poor handling.

The last 15 minutes of the match were nail-biting, both sides competing hard to gain victory.

A Ledbury high tackle saw Edwardians creep back to with a well struck penalty from their full back (13-8).

The last five minutes saw Josh Hill depart the field with a wrist injury, but Ledbury rallied and a late tackle from Edwardians gave Ledbury the opportunity to camp in the opposition 22, ultimately despatching the ball into touch as full-time loomed.

Relief all round for Ledbury following a very sound team effort against strong opponents giving the hosts that all important win.

In conclusion, Ledbury’s dominance at the set piece was not reflected in the score line, a bonus point was definitely on the cards, however this was a significant victory in appalling conditions and a great way to finish 2024.

Ledbury travel away to Hereford for their next league encounter on Saturday (January 4).