Ledbury beat Bromyard in second-leg of North Midlands Shield tie

The hosts came into the clash with a two-point margin to overturn from the first-leg and eventually cruised into the next round.

Having had a number of first-team players unavailable for that first encounter two weeks ago, Ledbury were able to field a strong 15 this time around and they made it count from the first whistle. 

Ledbury began confidently and Jamie Rayfield found space before allowing full-back Ben Mason to score out wide (5-0).

Ben Mason darts through for Ledbury during the 45-27 win over Bromyard (Image: Beth Jones)

Bromyard were not perturbed by the early setback and from a surging break by their number eight, the winger touched down in the corner, a try converted by fly-half Mark Hatman (5-7).

Ledbury conceded a penalty from the ensuing restart and, to compound worries, quick hands soon saw the visitors' winger touch down in the corner once more with Hatman converting (5-14).

Seemingly stunned by the bright start from Bromyard, Ledbury came straight back with a mighty forwards try from Jock Welch who twisted his way over from close range (10-14).

Hatman, who was proving to be a major thorn in the flesh for Ledbury, kept the pressure up with that rarity of an exceedingly well-struck drop goal (10-17).

But Ledbury were by now getting into their stride and were able to draw level when George Wallin scrabbled over for a try between the posts, followed by a Rayfield conversion (17-17).

Bromyard were, however, able to have the last word of the first half, with Hatman stroking over a penalty to regain the slender lead (17-20) and a five-point margin overall on aggregate.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Ledbury regain the lead quickly as Alfie Scholefield pounced on a loose ball to score, converted by Rayfield (24-20).

Alfie Scholefield powers his way through during Ledbury's 45-27 win over Bromyard (Image: Beth Jones)

Using the slope to maximum advantage, Ledbury kept Bromyard penned in their 22 and after forward pressure, Freddie Hemingway forced his way over for a converted try (31-20).

The Ledbury pack were emphatically taking control of the match and Wallin was released to score again between the sticks as the home side began to run away with it (38-20).

Bromyard had no answer to Ledbury’s physicality and Ben Stephens had been particularly prominent with some barnstorming runs after being subbed on and was rewarded with a try after a forwards rumble (45-20).

With time running out, Bromyard were able to salvage some pride, with their solitary points in the second half. After a prolonged attack, Pudge wormed his way over for a converted try (45-27).

Ledbury RFC will play Tenbury Wells in the next round of the North Midlands Shield (Image: Beth Jones)

Ledbury will now face Tenbury Wells in the next round, with the date set for April 29. Venue is not yet confirmed.