LEDBURY Cricket Club’s batting failed to match their bowling as they suffered a 29-run defeat at Dales in Marches League Division Two.

Vicky Evans (4-24), Dave Nash (3-55) and Brandon Caffull (3-19) got the wickets as Ledbury dismissed the home side for 129.

Nick Palmer held firm as he finished unbeaten on 35 but the lower order contributed little to leave Dales with it all to do.

But Ledbury’s batting line-up had no answer to the home attack with Marcus Jones starring with 5-37 and looked set for an embarrassing defeat.

Joshua Evans (14), Carl Foskett (17) and Richard Davis (19) tried to rescue the situation but Ledbury were all out for 100 in the 32nd over.

Ledbury second XI collected 25 points after their Division Three clash with Bartestree and Lugwardine thirds was cancelled.

Saturday sees the firsts host Luctonians seconds and the seconds visit Kingston on Teme.