LEDBURY u10s 20, MALVERN RFC 0.

IN the first of the two games played, both sets of forwards carried the ball well and the visitors used the maul to good effect.

The opening try came through the forwards when Hemingway ripped the ball at a maul and his no-nonsense run to the line was worthy of the opening score.

Ledbury were in total control of the territory, although Malvern scrumaged very well and to their credit restricted Ledbury to only a handful of clear chances.

One of which they soon took following a good ruck near the visitors line, hooker Bonfield collected at the base and powered over to touch down and increase Ledbury’s lead at the break.

At the turn Ledbury began to turn the screw and some superb tackling from Malvern kept them in the game.

Ledbury were camped deep in the visitors’ half, more explosive running from Hemingway close to the line saw him touch down smartly.

With Malvern under pressure and unable to get any field position Ledbury finally got some quick ball and moved it through the hands, Whiles probing half-break released Marriot, who linked well with Evans and his pass to Best saw him finish off a flowing move which saw all the backs involved and was the type of play and movement which we have been more used to seeing of late from Ledbury.

With the scoreline now 20-0 Ledbury were comfortable and able to close the game out.

In game two, Ledbury ran out 55-0 winners to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

UPTON u14s 24, LONGLEVENS u14s 14.

UPTON u14s started strongly against Longlevens, on what was the coldest match day so far this season.

Upton rucked well, and passed the ball along the backs with confidence.

A great chip kick from Tom Bottomley gave Upton’s forwards a perfect ball to chase and once retrieved was quickly passed out to Toby Harper on the wing who made a fantastic run into the corner to give the perfect start.

Longlevens continued to battle, but it was Upton who produced the next scoring opportunity. Their forwards worked hard to recycle the ball, and then Matt Dunwell made a break, and using his great speed and strength, drove over the line in the corner.

However, Longlevens recovered and got two tries before half-time, putting the game in anyone’s hands.

The second-half was a brilliant contest between two teams who gave their all. It was Longlevens who scored the next try, and Upton needed to dig deep. All credit to Upton who were determined to give their all.

Some great play from Benji Airdrie, who won the ball and made valuable ground throughout the match, was finally rewarded when he battled over the line under the posts. This was converted by Richard Clive, which put the scores level.

Finally a great break from Elliot Hennessy got him into space which he didn’t waste and put Upton within striking distance.

When he was finally caught, he popped the ball to Matt Dunwell who then had the speed to skirt around the remaining defenders and score under the posts. Richard Clive then converted.

UPTON u8s 7, DRYBROOK u8s 3.

DRYBROOK started the first-half with a very quick try but Upton were quick to respond from the re-start with some swift passing from captain Oliver Hale, to Thomas Long then to Edward Price and out to the wing for Scott to run over in the corner. Upton then ran in further tries from Lewis Hardiman and Hale to lead 3-1.

Further touchdowns followed from Scott and Hale to lead 5-1.

Drybrook responded with two tries in quick succession to close the gap to 5-3 but Upton responded with two late tries of their own through Thomas and Lewis to win comfortably.