LEDBURY RFC secured their first competitive home victory over local rivals Malvern, since 1982.
Malvern played down the slope in the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess in the opening minutes. However Ledbury would break through and draw first blood in the tie.
Ed Bennion forced his way though after an impressive display of scrummaging. The ensuing kick was duly converted by Jack Hughes.
Malvern responded well to falling behind and the game entered a period of territorial dominance from the side. After repeated phases of strong attacking play they finally broke through and brought the score back to within two.
Soon after scoring, the visitors quickly resumed their hunt - stretching and battering the Ledbury defence at every opportunity before running in their second try to take the lead.
Ledbury tied everything up, courtesy of a trademark Jack Hughes long-range penalty after Malvern were caught offside.
Malvern continued to look dangerous and threaten with the ball, but the Ledbury pack kept the hosts in contention. From a lineout, Ledbury bossed Malvern for Tom Roberts to touch down in the corner, the try again converted by Jack Hughes.
Ledbury broke out again from the kick off, Hughes was held up 15 metres short of the line - seeing the Malvern full back rewarded with a yellow card while Ledbury finished the first half in a flourish with Josh Bishop touching down in the corner.
READ MORE: Ledbury FC see off Hereford Pegasus to take first win since early-February
The second period saw Ledbury's pack continue to dominate but the backs struggle to cope with Malvern's slick handling.
Despite this, Harry Harris charged after his decent hack down the wing and freed Curtis Williams to score under the posts - the try once more converted by Hughes.
Sensing the game slipping away, Malvern responded with a try of their own minutes later to bring the score to 29-17.
Soon after Malvern's Ben Gaubert suffered an unwelcome ankle injury - the break in play as he was attended to seeming to rob Ledbury of their rhythm and momentum.
Malvern sensed that the hosts were struggling as Josh Bishop was carded for a technical offence. Their scrum half slowed down Ledbury possession and from the break out, the ball was touched down - bringing the score to within five.
A yellow card for Zak Bonfield saw Ledbury briefly forced to drop to 13 men, with Malvern able to take full advantage of their additional players and score another converted try to take the advantage with five minutes to play.
Ledbury summoned one last huge effort and managed to camp in the Malvern 22. The visitors were caught offside and Hughes delivered the knockout blow - sending over a penalty with two minutes remaining.
A one point lead saw a frantic final two minutes - Ledbury threw everything at it and were able to contain Malvern before Iolo Bubb booted the ball to safety to take the win.
Share