LEDBURY Rugby Club visit local rivals Upton tomorrow (2.15pm) after a hard-fought home victory over Southam in Midlands Three West (South).

Head coach Ben Smith, who got on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 26-12 success, believes sixth-placed Ledbury are shaping up well for their eagerly-awaited derby.

“We expected the match against Southam to be hard because it was our first outing after Christmas, and the players did well to dig in,” said Smith.

“It’s important we take the right attitude into the derby with Upton because we know it will not be easy at their place.”

Ledbury boast seven wins from 13 matches, while second-from-bottom Upton are fighting a relegation battle, and lost 14-10 at Harbury last weekend.

After conceding an early try, Ledbury hit back against Southam when Harry Bee chipped the defence and scored under the posts, with Smith converting.

Matt Hallett crossed for a second try to open up a 12-5 lead at the break and completed his brace in the second period.

Scott Matthews also dived over for the hosts, while Southam bagged a second try as Ledbury battled to victory in a stop-start encounter.