BEN Smith’s late penalty earned fourth-placed Ledbury two points from a 20-20 Midlands Three West (South) draw at Southam.

The Ross Road outfit returned to action after a fourweek break due to the holidays and bad weather but were left with mixed feelings against the mid-table Warwickshire hosts.

Injuries and unavailabilities meant a reshuffling of Ledbury personnel and positions but the players stepped up to fully justify their selection.

Ledbury started well with their young team seeking to maintain the pressure on the three sides who are above them.

Tries from wingers Ali Martin and Matt Hallett, both converted by full-back Smith, saw the Herefordshire visitors establish a healthy lead.

A further penalty by Smith left Ledbury 17-3 in front at half-time with hopes of a bonus-point win.

But a string of decisions went against them in the second period and the issue of two yellow cards enabled Southam to gradually claw their way back into the game.

The hosts took the lead with two converted tries and two penalties but Ledbury fought to register a draw when Smith put over a penalty with five minutes left. Ledbury are just two points behind Coventry outfit Old Wheatleyans in second position.

  • Upton’s home game with Evesham was postponed.