LEDBURY Rugby Club head coach Paul Rudland is hoping 2014 can be as successful for his side as 2013.

The first half of the campaign has seen the Ross Road men claim eight wins from 11 outings and they have positioned themselves well for a Midlands Three West (South) title tilt.

High-flying Ledbury entertain Shipston-on-Stour tomorrow and will be looking to heap more misery on the Cotswold-based strugglers.

The Rams are second-frombottom in the table, above only Evesham, with just five points to their name but that tally has not been helped by a 10-point deduction.

Despite this weekend’s visitors’ lowly status in the division, Rudland insists fourth-placed Ledbury will be fully focused on their own performance. The Herefordshire side claimed a 33-17 bonus-point victory when they travelled to Shipston early in the campaign, but there will be no room for complacency.

Rudland said: “We picked up a bonus point against Shipston at the beginning of the season, but that win was unexpected.

“I just hope we can pull something similar out of the hat again this weekend.

Another bonus-point win could put us level with the sides at the top of the table, but you can never underestimate a side coming to Ledbury as they always raise their game.

“Christmas came at a good time for us because we had a break from training and playing, which allowed people who had picked up injuries to have a rest.”

Rudland admits he has been delighted with his team’s efforts so far this campaign and is planning more of the same in 2014 to keep their promotion hopes alive.

He added: “Last season was tough because it was our first year in this division, but we have adjusted now, made some crucial signings and hopefully we can push on for promotion.

“This season has been a lot better than expected so far and if someone had offered me eight wins from the first 11 games before the season began, I would have snapped their hand off.

“That said, we could have even had 11 wins out of 11 by now as the ones we have lost have all been narrow defeats.”