CHAMPIONS Ledbury test their unbeaten Marches Cricket League Division Two record in the finale at Presteigne tomorrow.

They finished their home programme with a nine-wicket beating of Knighton-on-Teme.

But the villagers pushed Ledbury hard after winning the toss and batting first.

The hosts’ opening bowlers had no success trying to dislodge openers Matt James (21) and Mark Evans (31) but the batsmen could not exert their authority.

The breakthrough came from James Brighton (2-27), who was bowling for the first time this season after knee trouble.

But Jack Kitchen (47) anchored the Knighton innings with contributions from Jack Brain (16) and Richard Smith (18) in a competitive 186-8.

Jamie Turner claimed 2-47 and skipper Steve Evans 3-28 in four overs.

Ledbury’s reply began in tricky conditions with steady, light rain making batting and fielding difficult.

Matt Ehrlich and Brighton began watchfully with Brain unlucky not to get a wicket from his 12 overs.

Ehrlich benefitted from two early dropped chances and both batsmen grew more fluent to hit regular boundaries.

Although his partner survived two more drops, Brighton dominated, hitting 16 fours and three sixes in his 103 off 93 balls.

He fell on 176 with just 10 runs required for victory, which were were knocked off by Ehrlich (63 not out) and Luke Ledbury (4no).

Meanwhile, the seconds demolished Widemarsh Lads Club by 258 runs in Division Three.

Batting first after winning the toss, Ledbury got off to a blistering start and scored 50 in only the seventh over.

Chris Ritchie soon brought up his 50 as the Ledbury opening partnership extended past 100.

Rob Yeoman passed 50 before Ritchie reached his maiden century in the 30th over.

After a new record opening partnership for the seconds of 211 runs, Yeoman fell for 65.

Josh Evans contributed a quick 23 and Ritchie was bowled for a superb 130 as Ledbury closed on 299-5 from 45 overs.

The dispirited hosts fell apart against accurate bowling from Si Ritchie (3-6) and Vicky Evans (2-5).

With Steve Large and Jai Smallwood also claiming a wicket apiece, Lads Club folded to 41 all out.

Ledbury finish the league season at home to Goodrich seconds tomorrow (2pm).