LEDBURY stormed to the top of Marches Cricket League Division Two with an efficient nine-wicket home win over Woolhope.

David Nash quickly ended the opening partnership with a fine delivery and followed up with another wicket in similar fashion to leave the visitors on 28-2 as they decided to bat first.

Opener George Webb and Weaver batted watchfully although Ledbury’s catching was not up to the usual standards and several chances went begging.

The score advanced to 93 before Luke Ledbury (2-28) bowled Weaver for 27 and the hosts’ bowlers then began to turn the screw.

Leg spinner Jamie Turner produced six tight overs as wickets came thick and fast.

Webb reached his half-century but fought a lone battle with the returning Nash and Turner taking 3-32 and 3-6 respectively. Skipper Steve Evans finished the innings, finally accounting for Webb (62) to leave Woolhope on 129 all out.

In reply, Ledbury soon lost Richie Orders but the father-and-son duo of Neil Andrews and Paul Andrews made serene progress in chasing the total down.

With a mixture of good running and regular boundaries, the bowling attack was made to toil.

Neil Andrews was first to his half-century and finally finished on 63 not out, while Paul Andrews (51no) hit the winning runs.

Ledbury chased down the total in 21 overs to gain a maximum 20 points.

A big game comes tomorrow at home to fellow title-chasers Brockhampton thirds (2pm) with the players meeting at 1pm.

Ledbury seconds consolidated third position in Division Three after a convincing 118-run victory at Garnons.

Batting first, the visitors recorded their highest total of the season as they racked up 245-6 from 45 overs.

The star of the innings was again teen Josh Evans who secured his second consecutive half-century with 73.

Other useful contributions came from Nick Gibbons (37), Steve Burgess (25), Steve Darrah (23) and Chris Ritchie (22no).

Although Joe Emery (49) and Ed Pearson-Gregory (35) batted well for the hosts, nobody else threatened, particularly after a hostile spell from Mike Arlott (4-45).

He made a welcome return to the team after illness and accounted for four quick wickets in the middle order.

Garnons succumbed for 127 as Ledbury ran out big winners with Simon Ritchie taking 2-4 and captain Karl Foskett 2-25.