Keresley 15, Ledbury 13.

LEDBURY RFC travelled to Warwickshire to take on unbeaten leaders Keresley in their latest Midlands Four West (South) clash and put in their best performance of the season so far.

Every Lebury player put in a committed and fearless display and the visitors could have snatched a remarkable victory in an exciting end to the contest.

Lacking a couple of key players, Ledbury went behind after just seven minutes when Keresley scored the first try of the match. With the large home crowd expecting many more to follow, Ledbury consistently stopped the attackers in their tracks with a series of punishing tackles.

Dan Hicks, Matt Cleland and seconds captain Clive Chapman were particularly impressive as were all the backs, five of whom are teenagers.

Both teams scored penalties before the break. Ledbury’s came from full-back Ali Park, and, when he converted a second one after 42 minutes, the home team started to become more anxious.

The Ledbury line-out functioned well and the introduction of thirds captain Richard Park into the second row gave added strength in the scrum.

Keresley appeared to have secured victory with a converted try five minutes from time, but flanker Chris Bennett won a chase to score his first try for the club soon after. Centre Jamie Rayfield’s conversion brought Ledbury back to just two points behind.

Weather permitting, Ledbury take on Manor Park at Ross Road tomorrow (ko 2.15pm), when victory would cement their fourth place at the half-way point of the season.

Ledbury then return to action after the Festive break on Saturday, January 8, when they travel to Rugby Welsh.