Ledbury reach Regional Two North Shield final with win over Paviors

The Ledbury pack flexed their muscles as they clashed in the Regional Two North Shield semi-final at Ross Road on Saturday (May 10).

Despite several enforced changes to the squad, the home side's forwards laid a solid foundation, allowing the backs to shine in a cohesive team effort.

The opening exchanges saw both teams testing each other, with Ledbury earning an early penalty from a scrum.

Jack Hughes attempted the long-range kick, but it fell just short.

Paviors struggled to escape their 22, but Ledbury's defence, led by John Parker and Josh Hill, held firm.

The home side opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Hughes converted a try from Charlie Barber-Starkey, following a slick move involving Curtis Williams and Ben Mason, putting Ledbury ahead 7-0.

Paviors responded quickly, capitalising on a yellow card issued to Mason for a penalty try, levelling the score at 7-7.

However, Ledbury regained the lead with a well-worked try from Hill, converted by Hughes, making it 14-7.

The away side kept pace with another score, bringing the match to 14-14 after 30 minutes.

As the first half drew to a close, Ledbury regained the lead with a penalty from Hughes.

The teams went into the break with the match finely balanced.

After the half-time oranges Ledbury quickly asserted their dominance.

After Paviors' number 12 received a yellow card, the home side capitalised, with Barber-Starkey scoring his second try, converted by Hughes, extending the lead to 24-14.

Further tries followed from Ben Stevens and George Wallin, with Hughes adding the extras each time, pushing the score to 38-14.

Fresh legs from the bench, including Jamie Rayfield and Charlie Pallett, continued to apply pressure, with Paviors struggling to contain Ledbury's attack.

The final try came from Ben Mason, sealing the match at 48-14.

This victory propels Ledbury into the final against Winnington Park, from Northwich in Cheshire, which will be on Sunday (May 18), at Castle Park in Doncaster with a 6pm kick-off.