Ledbury looking up for new challenge (From Ledbury Reporter)

Ledbury looking up for new challenge

2:00pm Friday 8th June 2012 in Rugby

NEW boys Ledbury Rugby Club do not anticipate being involved in a Midlands Three West (South) relegation fight next season.

The New Street side instead intend on cementing themselves as a competitive outfit within the division.

Paul Rudland coaches a side full of confidence following a season where they won 17 games to finish second, just two points behind Old Wheatleyans, a side they beat both home and away.

He said: “There are a number of games we can look back on and feel we should have won and winning any one of them would have left us top of the league.

“We particularly struggled away from home at places like Manor Park and Atherstone, which is something we can improve, but beating Old Wheatleyans twice is something that gives us real confidence moving into next season.”

Rudland attributes last year’s success to the tightness of the squad and influence of new players, such as centre and top points scorer Ben Smith, who added quality and experience to a young group.

All of last season’s side have been retained for next season and Rudland believes that in the near future Midlands Two rugby is a realistic goal for his players.

􀁧 Bromyard are also looking forward to life in a higher division after sweeping all before them in Midlands Five West (North) to be undefeated league champions.

Led by coach Steve Joslin and captain Scott Holloway, the Midlands Four West (North) club are optimistic they can carry their form into next season.

Holloway said: “We are looking to strengthen our squad at prop and centre and we feel next year we should be challenging for a top-four finish.”

Central to this challenge will be a strong back row, which includes player- of-the-season Will Tompkins and most improved player Lee Cox.