LEDBURY’S return to Marches Cricket League Division One action after a six-year absence began with a home defeat to Luctonians.

But they should take many positives from the six-wicket loss, which followed a cancelled match the previous weekend.

Asked to bat first, Ledbury suffered the worst of the batting conditions as overnight rain meant the wicket helped the new-ball bowlers.

Both openers were dismissed by deliveries that moved late before Paul Andrews (13) and James Brighton (10) began the job of rebuilding the innings.

They fell to Imalka Kankanamalage (4-23) with Andrews well caught and Brighton the victim of a controversial lbw decision.

With the top order dismissed, Neil Andrews, supported by skipper Steve Evans (2), gave Ledbury’s innings a back-bone, top scoring with 36 before being the last man out on 94.

For Luctonians, Ben Probert (3-4) mopped up the tail.

In reply, Ledbury bowled and fielded with real aggression but could not stop their opponents reaching 95-4 inside 21 overs.

While the wicket played easier, the Ledbury opening bowlers Neil Andrews and Mike Arlott gave nothing away, backed up by a fine fielding display. Neil Andrews (3-17) struck first, accounting for both Platfords with Duncan well caught by the diving Brighton for seven runs and James lbw for just four.

Arlott (1-29) got due reward for bowling with pace and control when Ian Probert (5) edged behind and, when Matt Bengry (0) was bowled in the next over, Luctonians were in serious trouble at 35-4.

It could have been worse had wicketkeeper Paul Allen, celebrating his 50th birthday, hung on to a difficult chance to remove Chris Ibbetson.

But Ibbetson (31 not out) enjoyed his stroke of good fortune and gave good support to opener Hamish Light (38no) as the two built a match-winning stand of 60 with the pitch playing much easier after drying out.

Ledbury host Canon Frome tomorrow (1pm), knowing they can compete with the best Division One has to offer.

Canon Frome, who have switched from the Worcestershire League, collapsed to 40 all out in a 195-run thrashing at home by Garnons.

The Division Three games for Bosbury and Eastnor thirds were both cancelled due to rain but Colwall thirds won by 23 runs at Garnons seconds.