LEDBURY reached the midpoint of their Marches Cricket League campaign with a perfect record of six wins from as many completed games to top the table.

They produced a workmanlike performance against an obstinate Presteigne team to win by five wickets.

Invited to bat first, the visitors made Ledbury wait for an early breakthrough as the prolific James Bray and Phil Davies put together a steady opening partnership of 44 runs.

Mike Arlott (2-20) finally claimed Ledbury’s first wicket in the 16th over, cleaning up Davies (10) with a fast yorker and then following up to remove James Chilman for a duck two balls later.

After this, the pattern of the Prestigne innings was set as Bray continued to be watchful on his way to making 64 runs off 130 balls.

The remaining batsmen struggled against tight bowling from Ledbury’s attack.

The bowlers remained patient in their search for wickets and the introduction of Jamie Turner (4-33) was the catalyst for a late flurry.

Dave Nash (3-40) returned to the attack and took three late wickets to ensure Presteigne were bowled out off the penultimate ball of the innings for 137.

In reply, Ledbury lost Matt Ehrlich (0) and Rich Orders (1) quickly as Gary Rhodes (1-15) squeezed the Ledbury batsmen during his 12 overs.

But Josh Evans, with a patient 20, and Paul Andrews (15) repaired the damage before the latter received an unplayable ball from Bray (2-27) to leave the game delicately balanced.

However, as has been the case with the bat this season, different players have come to the crease to play the key innings.

This time, Nash did so, supported ably by Turner (16) and Neil Andrews (14 not out).

He rarely looked troubled, combining finely timed boundaries with the ability to pick up a succession of ones and twos to see Ledbury to victory, making 57no.

Ledbury begin the second half of their season by hosting Shirebulls tomorrow (2pm).

Meanwhile, third-placed Eastnor thirds secured a winning draw at leaders Bosbury in a Marches League Division Four derby.

Nick Bollen top-scored with 69no in Eastnor’s 200-7 from 40 overs with Andrew Duddell taking 5-35.

Duddell enjoyed a fine all-round game as he hit 56 in Bosbury’s 191-7 alongside Simon Davies (27).