LEDBURY survived a second-half rally from Upton to secure a 39-29 triumph in a pulsating Midlands Three West (South) battle at Old Street.

The visitors powered into 27-5 a lead only to see their advantage cut to three points as Upton fought back.

But Harry Stokes’ sin-binning proved decisive as Ledbury sealed victory with tries from Cam Hunter and George Bennion.

Upton were boosted by the return of Matt Dunwell, Max MacFarlane and Stokes and they started brightly.

But against the run of play Ledbury’s Ryan Fourie finished a 40-metre run with a deft dummy to touch down under the posts.

Bennion added the extras before landing a penalty to move his side 10-0 in front.

Upton seemed to have the dominance up front and from a scrum 15 metres out MacFarlane broke and Stokes powered through a number of tackles to score. Jack Travis missed the conversion.

As the first half drew to a close Upton sensed an opportunity to take the lead.

But they suffered a sucker punch as a stray pass was intercepted by Matt Hallett who ran the length of the pitch to score. Bennion converted to put Ledbury 17-5 ahead at the interval.

The second half saw Upton stick to their first half tactics, but Ledbury struck first when Hallett broke and found scrum-half Hunter to finish.

But Upton rallied as Stoke scored for the second time again when he broke from the back of a rolling maul before Freddie Barrell dived over from close range.

Upton’s best try came from George Ainge as he cut a fantastic line from Travis’ pass across the back line to reduce the deficit to 27-24.

But Upton’s mistakes allowed Ledbury to close the game out as they made their numerical advantage count with Stokes in the sin-bin.

Hunter scampered over for a well-taken try after a great chip and chase before Bennion crossed in the corner.

Upton managed a consolation score with the last touch of the game when Matt Williams powered over from a ruck three metres out.

But this was not enough for Upton to gain a second bonus point.

Saturday sees Ledbury host Woodrush and Upton visit Manor Park (both 3pm).