LEDBURY seconds beat the weather but could not defeat a strong Luctonians team in their first Marches League Division Three game of the new season.

Batting first, Lucs seconds got off to a brisk start before Simon Ritchie (2-70) pegged them back with two quick wickets.

The visitors continued to attack the bowlers and, although Vicky Evans (2-46) did well in the middle overs, Frank Kelly and Joe Hunt got on top of the bowling.

Even when Hunt was dismissed for 53, Rob Bengry (43 not out) helped the hard-hitting Kelly (87no) to 331-7 after 45 overs.

Ledbury never really looked like overhauling the visitors’ imposing total in reply.

Useful contributions from Tom Dold (25), Rob Yeoman (27), Stu Evans (23) and Chris Ritchie (17) ensured respectability as the town team were bowled out for 144.

Ledbury firsts’ Division One opener at Kington fell victim to the weather and was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Meanwhile, Bosbury lost to Goodrich seconds in Division Three by 38 runs after struggling to 122 all out in reply to 160.

Opener George Abbey (26) top scored and Alan Lancett (5-38) impressed with the ball.

Skipper Simon Astbury hit 67 and Stephen Emery claimed 4-32 as Eastnor fourths beat their Brockhampton counterparts by six wickets in Division Four East.

Colwall fourths defeated Woolhope seconds by 15 runs in the same division, helped by Benjamin Whitaker’s 41no.