LEDBURY Rugby Club remain in touch for a new year Midlands Three West (South) title push.

They only edged to a 25-23 win at struggling Old Wheatleyans who moved off the bottom of the table thanks to the losing bonus point.

But Ledbury's narrow victory was enough to push them up to fifth in the table only six points behind leaders Old Coventrians with a game in hand.

The Ross Road side return to action on Saturday, January 6, with a crunch clash at home to second-placed Shipston-on-Stour.

After the excitement of the 21-15 home win over Old Leamingtonians prior to the deluge of snow, Ledbury travelled to Old Wheats not knowing until the last minute the pitch would be fit to play on.

Following a closely-fought struggle, Ledbury were pleased to come away with the away win despite the tight scoreline.

It was a slightly disjointed and frustrating game with not much going beyond two phases.

Ledbury’s Stuart Martin came up trumps with two impressive tries — one an intercept from inside his own 22 and the other from a cross-field kick by George Bennion.

A third try came through Jock Welch from a driving maul.

In-form Bennion added the conversions to all three as well as a stunning penalty from 40 metres.

Meanwhile, tickets are selling well for the New Year's Eve party in the Pavilion Rooms.

For details or to book, contact Jamie Rayfield on 01531 631788 or email enquire@thepavilionrooms.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Newent kept third spot in South West One West despite a 24-18 home defeat to table-topping Exeter University.

They battled to gain a losing bonus point with Will Mansfield and Charlie Gellert scoring tries alongside Tommy Devris' two penalties and a conversion.

Newent host Keynsham on Saturday, January 6.