LEDBURY'S survival hopes took a hit as they fell at the last hurdle in a 31-26 defeat in their final league game against Stratford-upon-Avon.
The match took place in the Regional 2 Midlands West League on Saturday (April 5), at Ross Road, with over 300 supporters in attendance.
The home side started brightly, with Luke Clarke scoring in the corner just nine minutes in, giving Ledbury an early lead.
Despite going down to 14 men after a yellow card was issued for an illegal challenge on Ledbury's Blessing Mwaisoloka, Stratford quickly responded, winning a ball against the head from a set scrum and launching a firy attack with some fantastic link-ups to score at the quarter-hour mark.
Despite their one-man advantage, Ledbury struggled to convert pressure into points, with a promising break from John Parker thwarted just outside the 22.
As the first half progressed, Ledbury's dominance was met with resilient defence from Stratford.
After a series of near misses, the away side took the lead with a penalty try awarded after a scrum, making it 12-5.
Ledbury's woes continued as they received a yellow card, allowing Stratford to further establish control.
A critical moment came when Ledbury's Jack Hughes made a threatening break, only for his pass to be intercepted, leading to Stratford extending their total to 19 points.
However, Ledbury responded with a determined effort, culminating in a try from George Wallin, converted by Hughes, bringing the score to within seven at half-time.
The second half saw Stratford score again with some nice support play and close passing to put their centre in at the corner.
But Ledbury refused to back down, launching a relentless attack that resulted in Mwaisoloka scoring a try, converted by Hughes.
With the clock ticking down, Ledbury at last took the lead when Mwaisoloka scored his second of the afternoon.
However, in a dramatic finish, Stratford seized control in the dying moments, scoring a decisive try to clinch the match at the death.
The defeat leaves Ledbury's fate in the hands of the RFU, who will ultimately decide their place in next season's league structure.
Looking ahead, Ledbury will host Malvern on Saturday (April 12) in the first round of the Regional Two North Shield Competition.
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