LEDBURY seconds have started their Marches Cricket League Division Three season with two defeats after falling by three wickets at Kington seconds.

An inspired display by Kington’s Andy Yates proved the difference between the two teams.

Put into bat after losing the toss, Ledbury found scoring difficult on a wicket that offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers and a slow outfield.

Rob Yeoman (24) and captain Steve Burgess (32) were the main contributors. Late middle-order hitting by Chris Ritchie (36 not out) and Jason Belcher (15no) ensured Ledbury reached 151-6, with 50 in the last six overs.

In reply, Kington slumped to 23-4 after a fine opening spell by Merv Moodley (3-39), supported by Rich Griffiths (2-31).

But Yates, coming in at number six, took the game to Ledbury and made the most of the small boundaries.

He was supported by skipper Lee Traylor (10), who allowed his partner most of the strike. However, Ledbury only had themselves to blame as, with 40 runs still needed to win, the visitors dropped Yates three times.

Yates progressed to a fine hundred soon after as the game slipped from Ledbury’s grasp.

He was eventually well caught by Griffiths for 104, with 10 sixes and three fours, but Kington got over the winning line on 153-7.

Ledbury’s Jason Belcher, in his first appearance of the season, claimed 2-23.