Five-try Ledbury on fire (From Ledbury Reporter)

Five-try Ledbury on fire

2:35pm Friday 1st March 2013 in Rugby

LEDBURY Rugby Club romped to a crucial 34-7 win over Woodrush in Midlands Three West (South) at Ross Road.

They scored five tries to move above their visitors and are now one of four teams within four points of each other trying to avoid the second relegation spot.

Ledbury started strongly, moving the ball through numerous phases and putting Woodrush under pressure. Fly-half George Bennion, filling in for the ill Kieram Hallam, went close with a penalty and then created space for Jon Watkins to run dangerously into the Woodrush 22.

Watkins passed inside to fellow centre Paul Rudland and the coach touched down in the 14th minute.

Bennion converted and added a penalty with the score remaining 10-0 at halftime. Watkins scored a fine individual try five minutes into the second period and Bennion’s conversion opened an important lead.

They sought two more tries for a bonus point and got the first 10 minutes later when flanker Paul Williams drove over after the forwards pounded the Woodrush line.

Bennion converted and, although the visitors replied soon after, the bonus point was secured when winger Joel Skyers scored on 66 minutes after good work by full-back Jamie Rayfield.

Winger Sam Beale found Rudland who dived over in the corner.

There are five games left this season and, with three at home, Ledbury’s fate is in their own hands.

They host promotion-chasing Old Leamingtonians tomorrow (3pm) and hope for a big crowd.

e Newent are just one win away from running out on the hallowed turf of Twickenham.

The unbeaten Gloucester One leaders thrashed hosts Chesham 50-0 in the RFU Junior Vase quarter-finals to book a place in the last four on Saturday, March 30.

Newent, crowned the South West Junior Vase champions as a result, will now face either Farnham from Surrey or Norfolk outfit Wymondham who play in two weeks.

World Cup winner Phil Vickery, the ex-England star and Worcester assistant forwards coach, helped Newent at training last week.

Gloucester academy boss Andrew Stanley has assisted with coaching at the club who visit Old Richians tomorrow in the league.