LEDBURY Rugby Club withstood a second-half fightback from Handsworth to win 44-35 at Ross Road and progress to the next stage of the Senior Vase.

A sluggish 10-minute spell saw the hosts let slip a 22-7 lead to trail 28-22, but a late flourish including a George Bennion double ensured victory.

The first-half was slow paced with Ledbury constantly attacking the Handsworth line.

Smart kicking from Dan Sewell allowed Ledbury to gain field position but they were unable to convert pressure into points.

Bennion had an early chance in front of the posts, but contrived to hit both uprights as the ball failed to go over.

Not to be thwarted Bennion put his side ahead before Ledbury crashed over for the opening try from a driving maul. Bennion missed the conversion.

Ledbury were showing their potential as Dan Hicks cut a great inside line with Bennion once more providing the support. Bennion then ran in under the posts to make it 15-0. This score should have kicked the home side on, but they switched off, allowing Handsworth’s number eight to go over.

Leading 15-7 at half-time, Ledbury extended their advantage when Matt Hallett touched down and Bennion converted.

But with a touch of déjà vu, Ledbury fell asleep and Handsworth fed off unnecessary mistakes from their opponents. Handsworth had established a six-point lead and Ledbury knew that they had a real challenge on their hands.

But the dominant forwards managed to keep the ball in hand leading to a well-worked Ledbury try from five metres out.

Now in the driving seat, some slicking handling saw Ledbury score another. Bennion then grabbed a double to push his team 44-28 in front.

But Handsworth were not to be deterred and had the final say in the game with a converted try.

The match was marred by a spinal injury to Handsworth’s hooker who fractured his C5 and C6 vertebrae.

A club spokesman said the Ledbury physio swiftly immobilised him and the player was undergoing further treatment at Hereford Royal.

Ledbury face a couple of challenging weeks in Midlands Three West (South) as they visit leaders Dunlop tomorrow before hosting second-placed Woodrush the following Saturday.