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LEDBURY stormed into the last 16 of the North Midlands Shield with an emphatic 35-10 victory over higher-leagued Bridgnorth at Ross Road.

Both teams were committed to an open, fast moving game, and with a referee keen to play advantage the outcome was an entertaining match enjoyed by a good sized crowd.

Ledbury, of Midlands Four West (South), began well with fluent handling giving Leo Lockwood the opportunity to threaten the Bridgnorth line before being tackled on the left wing.

When the Midlands Three West (North) visitors subsequently put in a couple of dangerous kicks they were forced back by the excellent covering and running of the outstanding right wing Lucas Ashworth, playing his first game since the beginning of the season.

Ledbury came close to opening the scoring when the forwards drove some 20 metres to pressurise the Bridgnorth line but it was the visitors who broke away to score in the left hand corner.

Undeterred, Ledbury gradually exerted greater dominance as the half progressed.

Quick ball through Matt Williams and Sam Schole-field, who constantly threatened Bridgnorth's line-outs, and the improving scrum provided another platform for attack.

James Handley then capitalised on sharp work by Jack Wilesmith to burst through Bridgnorth's centres to score near the posts just before half-time, Luke White's conversion putting Ledbury ahead at the break.

The hosts went further ahead 10 minutes into the second-half when substitute Jamie Williams, on for the impressive debutant Ollie Dennis, powered over to score with his first touch.

White again converted, as he did when Jock Welch extended the lead with another try shortly afterwards, and at 21-5 the game was effectively sealed.

Ledbury, who visit Droitwich in the next round, scored two more converted tries, one for Stu Perkins and a second for Welch.

Bridgnorth hit back with a late consolation try but it did not detract from one of Ledbury's best results of the season so far.

3:43pm Thursday 3rd January 2008

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