LEDBURY Rugby Club’s 45-15 win over Manor Park at Ross Road was marred by a serious injury to club stalwart Chris Stokes.

After scoring two tries in the Midlands Three West (South) success, Stokes was injured while putting Gareth Peake over in the corner on the stroke of half-time.

It was later confirmed he had broken and dislocated his ankle.

A Ledbury spokesman said: “Everyone connected to the club is keen to wish him a speedy recovery in readiness for his return in pre-season training.”

With the wind picking up in the warm-up and the conditions underfoot damp, the Nuneaton visitors began strongest by showing physicality at the breakdown in front of their vocal support.

But fourth-placed Ledbury got on the scoreboard first as man of the match Ollie Jones, burrowed over.

The home crowd were celebrating again soon after as Jonny Whitting completed superb support play to go under the posts with George Bennion converting the extras.

A great piece of work from fly-half Jamie Rayfield followed, putting Ben Smith into space before Stokes showed a turn of pace and out-gassed his opposing winger from 30 metres out.

The in-form Stokes proved Ledbury weren’t missing usual talisman Matt Hallett as he quickly completed his double with more pace that firmly kept the away crowd silent.

But his afternoon was ended on the stroke of half-time as he was injured putting Garth Peake over in the corner.

The second half continued in much the same vein with the home side dominating the scoreline with further scores for Whitting, Rayfield and the returning Peake.

The away side did manage to get points on the board off the back of their powerful scrum.

But it was scant consolation as Ledbury showed that even in wet and windy conditions they were more than happy to move the ball and exploit the gaps leading to a final score of 45-15.

Ledbury extended their lead over fifth-placed Manor Park to eight points.

This week sees a busy few days at Ross Road with the second XV hosting Luctonians on Friday night along with the rescheduled Malvern and Hereford match under floodlights.

Sunday’s North Midlands Cup semi-final sees Ledbury under 14s face Stourbridge (11am).

Meanwhile, Newent are third in Tribute South West One West after a 40-24 win at Hornets.