LEDBURY Rugby Club secured their 11th Counties One Midlands West (South) victory of the season with a 33-22 success at Broadstreet seconds.

On a perfect pitch in sunny conditions, the hosts started well with a converted try after the number eight flew over from 22 metres with the break through the lines following a line-out win on the halfway line.

Second-from-bottom Broadstreet were far more composed as Ledbury struggled with poor passing and kicking.

The home side soon muscled over for a second try from their prop from close range which went unconverted.

It was well into the first quarter before Ledbury clicked and, with Jack Hughes distributing well, Jonny Whitting and Arron Almond both went tantalisingly close.

Broadstreet's discipline went to pieces as they attempted to keep the Ross Road side out at any cost which resulted in a yellow card for their skipper.

It gave Ledbury an immediate advantage as Tom Assal bagged a fine try, after a passing move that appeared to have broken down, followed by a Hughes conversion.

A second Broadstreet yellow card for an illegal forearm challenge helped the visitors dominate but dogged defence kept them from scoring until Cam Smith touched down in the corner.

Hughes again converted to make it 14-12 before Harry Harris was also denied a try before half-time after Ledbury pressure.

Ledbury began the second period with fine passing moves but Broadstreet regained the lead with a well-struck penalty after an infringement.

They were soon back in the hunt as Almond knocked on attempting to score but Ledbury camped on the Broadstreet line until Iolo Bubb acrobatically dived over bodies to score a try which was converted by Hughes.

A wonderful kick chase to the corner saw both Ledbury second rows leading the charge and soon after they won a scrum against the head and were rewarded with a converted pushover try for Ed Bennion.

Broadstreet managed a further try which led to a tense last five minutes.

But then Harry Evans came on for Jock Welch in the front row and gained possession to roll clear for Ledbury’s final try. 

It was a ring-rusty start to the year but Ledbury held their nerve and grew in confidence.

The away bonus-point win keeps Ledbury firmly in second place and looking forward to greeting Old Leamingtonians at Ross Road on Saturday with the visitors looking to redeem their narrow 24-19 defeat in September.