LEDBURY slipped to a disappointing 36-run defeat in their home derby against Canon Frome in Marches Cricket League Division One.

Batting first after winning the toss, Canon Frome lost an early wicket to the fired-up Neil Andrews, playing against his former club, when he bowled Ben Child (2).

Andrews (1-21) was unlucky not to gain more reward as a couple of chances went begging in the slips.

James Fortnam showed aggressive intent as he went after the hosts’ bowling and raced to 41.

But, when he played one big shot too many, he was caught and bowled by the impressive Steve Large (1-41).

Mark Godsall batted steadily for 28 before he fell lbw to Jamie Turner (1-19), but Andy Rogers attacked the bowling as Canon Frome looked to kick on towards 200.

Rogers rode his luck but, supported by Adam Hope (29), took them to within sight of the 200-mark with 10 overs remaining.

But the game changed dramatically in Ledbury’s favour when 16-year-old Josh Evans had Rogers caught for 61.

He went on to claim a maiden hat-trick as Canon Frome slumped to 191 all out after losing their last six wickets for only five runs.

Evans finished with 5-36 from seven overs and got Ledbury back into the game.

The reply did not get off to a good start when captain Steve Evans was run-out for 0.

But J Evans carried on where he had left off and, with the help of Jamie Brighton, took Ledbury to 80-2 in chasing down their target.

However, the introduction of Luke Cottrell’s slow left-arm bowling brought the breakthrough as Brighton was caught on the boundary for 31.

When Cottrell also accounted for J Evans (27), Ledbury began to struggle.

The hosts could find no answer to the bowler’s flight and guile, aided by a few marginal lbw decisions to leave them on the verge of defeat.

Rich Davis provided hope of victory with an enterprising 42 but, when he was caught and bowled by Child (2-45), the game was up for the town team.

Cottrell claimed the last few Ledbury wickets as they were bowled out for 155 and finished with 7-34 from 11.1 overs.

Ledbury, looking for their first league win of the season, visit Brockhampton thirds tomorrow with the team bolstered by players returning from university.