LEDBURY fell to a 27-15 defeat to Old Halesonians, yet will have one last shot to decide their league fate.
The sides clashed in Regional Two Midlands League action at Wassell Grove on Saturday (March 22).
Travelling with a somewhat depleted squad on Saturday, including two key lineout specialists, Ledbury faced immediate challenges.
On a hard pitch, the visitors got off to a rocky start as Old Halesonians scored after just four minutes, originating from a scrum 60 metres out.
Poor tackling let the home team's flanker weave through Ledbury's defence, doubling the score to 14-0 just nine minutes into play.
But the tables started to turn when an Old Halesonians player received a yellow card, with Ledbury capitalising as they started stringing together impressive phases of play.
Despite the referee not fully acknowledging Ledbury’s clear set scrum dominance, Jack Hughes made a skilfully calculated chip kick, allowing Ben Mason to score out wide.
Hughes then converted against all odds from the touchline, narrowing the gap to 14-7 after 20 minutes of play.
Hughes then added a penalty to the total, trimming the hosts' lead down to 14-10.
But things took a turn once again as the carded player managed to score in the corner for the hosts just before the half-time whistle to make it 19-10.
As the second half unfolded, Ledbury's lineout became a critical issue, losing essential possession.
The referee's decisions puzzled both sides, particularly a head-to-head clash against George Wallin bizarrely only being penalised.
Old Halesonians capitalised on a falter in the Ledbury lineout, increasing their lead to 24-10 just 15 minutes into the second half.
They extended their lead to 27-10 with a penalty after Ledbury were caught offside.
Chaos reigned in the closing minutes, with Ledbury managing a consolation try by Josh Bishop to reduce the final score to 27-15.
Saturday's (March 29) match against Stratford-upon-Avon will likely decide Ledbury's fate in the league.
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