LEDBURY were left ruing a lack of match fitness as they fell to a 24-10 home defeat to nearby rivals Cheltenham Tigers.
After a month-long layoff due to two weather postponements, Ledbury returned to the field on Saturday (January 18) in ideal playing conditions at Ross Road.
The team started strong, dominating much of the first quarter, but it was Cheltenham who scored first in the corner when he hared after a deft kick and chase to touch down at the 14 minute mark.
Ledbury responded swiftly, with Iolo Bubb scoring off a neat chip kick, before Jack Hughes converted to make it 7-5.
Despite their dominance, Ledbury could not convert their pressure into more points, and ended the half narrowly ahead.
The second half saw Ledbury struggle, conceding numerous penalties as discipline fell by the wayside, and failing to penetrate Cheltenham's defence.
Hughes managed a penalty, extending their lead to 10-5.
However, Cheltenham began to control the game, with solid tackling and an impressive defensive mark from Josh Bishop initially denying them.
The turning point came with a scything run by Cheltenham's right winger, resulting in a converted try after a 10-minute wait due to a neck injury to Josh Hill.
This shifted the score to 10-12.
Cheltenham capitalised on their momentum, scoring another converted try within minutes, extending their lead to 10-19.
The match was put out of Ledbury's reach when Cheltenham's left winger broke clear of the defence from 60 metres out, finishing the game at 10-24.
Two red cards were issued shortly before full-time for players from either side due to an unnecessary scuffle.
Ledbury will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture against derby rivals Hereford on Saturday (January 25).
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