LEDBURY threw away a half-time lead at Midlands Three West (South) table-toppers Woodrush before losing 36-22.

Looking for their first away win of the season, they were full of confidence after a 48-22 win over Harbury the previous weekend.

But Ledbury were once again first to concede, as Woodrush enjoyed all the ball in the first 10 minutes.

Strong defence kept the hosts out until they shipped the ball wide for an unconverted try in the corner.

After the first scrum, which Ledbury dominated, the visitors started getting clean ball to the backs but were denied by fine tackling.

However, They forced a penalty try from a close-range scrum, however, with George Bennion kicking the extras.

But Woodrush took over the ball again and scored another unconverted effort in the corner.

An injury saw Ledbury centre Matt Hallett come off the bench and make an immediate impact.

A handling error allowed Hallett to kick through from 60 metres and show good pace to go under the posts, with Bennion converting.

Bennion then kicked a penalty to increase Ledbury’s lead to 17-10 at the interval.

Woodrush started the second period at a high tempo and levelled with a third try.

They sealed their four-try bonus point, and added a quick fifth try, after more sloppy tackling.

Ledbury looked to have thrown the game away in a torrid 20-minute spell but Lewis Williams brought fire back into the team with a fine run up the left wing.

The last 20 minutes saw Ledbury switch back on and dominate at set-pieces.

Their solid pack won three consecutive penalties close to the try line, which resulted in a sin-binning.

On the third, a quick tap went wide to back row Ali Park, who crashed over.

But George Bennion could not convert and Woodrush closed the game off with a late shot at goal.

Ledbury’s man-of-the-match was Peter Dixon.

Meanwhile, Newent edged a 20-19 win at Avon in Tribute Western Counties North.

Wingers Reuben Goatley and Brett Gardner scored a try each, with Ross Webb converting both and adding two penalties.

Newent visit title-rivals Coney Hill in the Gloucestershire RFU Intermediate Cup final tomorrow (2pm).