LEDBURY Rugby Club remain on track for a Midlands Three West (South) title bid after going into the festive break with a gritty 16- 12 win at improving Pershore.

Their first victory over the Worcestershire team in many years means Ledbury already have more wins and nearly as many points now as they did in all of last season.

Chairman of senior rugby Stephen Burgess said: “There has been a marked improvement in the performance of the team as a whole and the players as individuals this season.

“Our success so far has been the result of a tremendous effort by the entire squad, who train and play together with a great spirit.

“The expertise and manmanagement skills of our head coach Paul Rudland, forwards coach Elliot Bee and skills coaches Ben Smith and Kieram Hallam have been crucial in taking forward our existing players and in attracting new ones.

“We now look forward to the new year when we hope to continue our good league form and to compete well in our North Midlands Shield semi-final against Stourbridge.”

The Ross Road side lie fourth, just five points off the top, but started badly against Pershore. With a strong wind behind them, Ledbury conceded a converted try from a loose ball after kick-off.

Pershore boasted a heavier pack but, not for the first time, Ledbury refused to be bossed by larger forwards.

In the last 10 minutes of the half, Pershore gathered good possession and territory with full-back George Bennion kicking two penalties.

Against the elements, Ledbury’s fitness and determination saw them dominate the second period and Bennion put the visitors ahead with a third penalty.

Fly-half Hallam created the crucial try, breaking from deep and finding support which enabled centre Kevin Murphy to score. Bennion converted for a 16-7 advantage.

But Ledbury lost their scrum superiority when the referee ruled they should be uncontested.

Despite scoring an unconverted try, Pershore could not breach a well-drilled defence again as Ledbury sealed the victory.

  • More than 90 supporters attended Ledbury’s vicepresidents lunch the previous weekend.

There was a talk from ex- Gloucester managing director Ken Nottage, while North Midland RFU council representative Stuart Potts also attended.