Ledbury pick up a bonus (From Malvern Gazette)

Ledbury pick up a bonus

11:00am Friday 18th January 2013 in Sport

LEDBURY Rugby Club continued their improved Midlands Three West (South) form with a superb bonuspoint win at fourth-placed Evesham.

The 31-16 victory was founded on a fine display of commitment and tackling with fly-half Kieram Hallam, outstanding in defence and attack, one of the stand-out performers.

Evesham took the lead with an early penalty and sought to create gaps in the Ledbury defence by launching their large forwards at the midfield.

However, the visitors consistently tackled well and gradually exerted pressure of their own.

Quick recycling of loose ball gave Hallam the chance to run at his opposite number and, having jinked through, he brushed off further attempts to stop him and touched down near the posts.

Full-back George Bennion, whose tackling was also outstanding, converted.

The hosts edged closer with a second penalty after 20 minutes and went back into the lead with a try near the right-hand touchline 10 minutes later.

Ledbury hit back soon after when skipper Jock Welch controlled a drive from the forwards to score by the posts. Bennion’s conversion gave them a 14-11 lead at the break.

The Ross Road side increased their control as the second-half progressed.

Bennion slotted a longrange penalty after 47 minutes and converted Hallam’s second try following a charge down by second row Greg Jones near the try-line.

Trailing 24-11, Evesham sought to move the ball at every opportunity but could not penetrate Ledbury’s defence.

The visitors sealed the victory when centre Ben Smith anticipated a long pass to intercept and touch down under the posts with Bennion adding his fourth conversion.

Evesham pushed hard for a consolation try which eventually came in the eighth minute of added time.

Ledbury’s best performance of the season reflected the continuity in availability of players over the last few games and good numbers at training.

They are third-from-bottom in the table, just four points off tomorrow’s hosts Pinley above them but six away from Southam in the position below.