Chapman on target in second string triumph (From Ledbury Reporter)

Chapman on target in second string triumph

6:40pm Sunday 4th December 2011 in Rugby

Ledbury II 27, Evesham III 0.

LEDBURY seconds recorded their third straight Merit Table win with a comprehensive victory over Evesham at Ross Road.

The home team were dominant in all phases of the game and it was only stout defending from Evesham, and their own occasional over-eagerness, which prevented them registering an even more emphatic scoreline.

The first 10 minutes saw both teams striving for territory from which to establish scoring pressure. It appeared that Evesham might strike first when they pushed hard into the Ledbury 22.

A quick turn-over, however, allowed centre Joel Skyers room to run and, after breaking three tackles, he sped away to score a superb individual try under the posts, with Josh Nolan converting.

The hosts increased the tempo of their attacks and, from a powerful drive at a scrum, flanker Clive Chapman broke away to score after 15 minutes. The home team’s scrum and line-out were now performing well and provided a strong platform for number eight Greg Jones and scrum-half Luke Steele to keep Ledbury moving forward.

After 20 minutes, Chapman won one of many turn-overs and quick passing from the backs enabled winger Sam Beale to dive over in the left-hand corner.

Ledbury led 17-0 at half-time, but realised the first score after the break could prove crucial as they faced a breeze and slope in the second period.

In fact, their dominance grew as the game progressed and only rarely did Evesham manage to move outside their own half.

Hooker Arran Almond scored Ledbury’s fifth try with a fine supporting line after 53 minutes.

Full-back Hayden Lewis rounded off the scoring with a well-taken score with just three minutes remaining.

This was a victory built on excellent work from the home forwards, not just in the tight, but also around the pitch where second row Giles Goodwin and Jones shone with 11 and 10 carries respectively.