LEDBURY'S cup ambitions will continue after advancing to the semi-finals of the Regional 2 North Shield with a 32-21 win over Kettering.
The team extended their cup run at Ross Road on Saturday (May 3) after wins against Malvern and Stratford-upon-Avon in prior rounds.
Ledbury were fast out of the blocks, with Josh Bishop earning an early penalty that was narrowly missed by Jack Hughes.
Josh Bishop was quick off the mark, earning an early penalty that Jack Hughes narrowly missed.
Following another Hughes penalty that had the direction but not quite the distance after banging on the upright, Kettering began to find their feet, trundling their way into Ledbury's 22, only for Bishop's long clearance to keep them at bay.
As the match progressed, Ledbury's attacking prowess shone through.
A loose lineout was expertly handled by Charlie Barber-Starkey, leading to a swift attack.
Hughes's kick through the Kettering defence set up John Parker, who sliced through to score under the posts, giving Ledbury a seven-point lead after Hughes converted.
Kettering responded with pressure of their own, but Ledbury's defence held firm.
A clean take from Blessing Mwaisoloka at the lineout allowed the home side to counterattack, which led to Charlie Pallett galloping over for Ledbury's second, which Hughes duly converted.
Kettering managed to score just before half-time, but Ledbury finished the half strong with a penalty from Hughes, taking the score to 17-7.
The second half began with a setback for Ledbury as Mwaisoloka left the field injured, replaced by Alfie Scholefield.
However, Ledbury quickly capitalised on the restart.
Iolo Bubb's high kick set up his own try from a scrum, pushing the score to 24-7, with Hughes adding the conversion.
Kettering, determined to fight back, took advantage of a few errors from Ledbury, narrowing the gap to 24-14 with a converted try.
Yet Ledbury's adaptability shone through as Bubb executed a long kick to touch, allowing Hughes to score an impressive drop goal, extending the lead to 27-14.
As Kettering grew increasingly frustrated, they conceded penalties that allowed Ledbury to maintain their attacking momentum.
Bubb's kick to the corner set up Pallett for his second try, bringing the score to 32-14.
Despite Ledbury's efforts, Kettering managed to score once more, crossing the line to finish the match at 32-21.
It was an impressive squad performance from Ledbury, who showcased their ability to see off a game under pressure.
They will now turn their attention to a clash with Nottingham side Paviors RFC in the semi-finals on Saturday (May 10), with aspirations of reaching the final in Doncaster on Saturday, May 17.
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