Ledbury RFC 32-5 defeat to top-of-the-table Worcester

Ledbury First XV returned to action after a festive break, facing the formidable Worcester RFC at home in a Counties 1 Midlands West (South) League match on Saturday (January 17).

Worcester ran in tries almost immediately, scoring within the first four minutes.

Ledbury found themselves 10-0 down before launching a spirited counterattack. A penalty for a slap down handed them a lineout on the 22.

With Worcester guilty of another misstep, playing the ball on the ground in the lineout, the home side made significant gains, with 21-year-old Charlie Pallett, celebrating his birthday, almost breaking through the Worcester defence.

He was, however, halted a few metres short but Ledbury quickly regained possession.

Jack Hughes orchestrated a crafty chip kick, which speedy Josh Hill chased down to touch for Ledbury's only five points. Boosted by this early success, Ledbury pressed on.

Ben Lewis charged ahead, creating much-needed territory, with Josh Bishop deftly weaving through two opponents.

However, Worcester intercepted and managed to cut inside to score left of the post, pushing their tally to 17 points.

Desperate not to allow any further scoring before half-time, Ed Wallin, Tom Manning, and Arron Almond busied themselves, pushing Ledbury up the field.

But Worcester had different plans and quickly brought the play back to Ledbury's 5m line and were able to score once more from a penalty.

The first half ended with Worcester holding a 22-5 lead.

Ledbury returned to the field with a robust second-half start. Khayd Saxelby pounced on a loose ball but could not hold on.

Despite repeated supremacy in scrums and a variety of quick ball plays, handling errors and stalwart Worcester defence continually dashed their efforts.

Worcester capitalized on these miss-steps and scored again, taking the score to 5-27.

A George Wallin side step and a pass enabled Cody Richardson-Wall to crash through, but he was brought down. Worcester then capitalised, extending their lead further.

As time wound down, Ledbury gave it their all, but persistent handling errors dashed their hopes.

On a different day, Ledbury would have been luckier during their attempts to counterattack. Despite the loss, Ledbury can be proud they did not allow Worcester to steamroll them.

Worcester currently top the league and regularly enjoy larger margins of victory.

Saturday was about small errors for Ledbury, which cost them at least three clear scoring opportunities.

Looking ahead, the Ledbury First XV will host Old Leamingtonians next Saturday, who are currently one place beneath Ledbury in the league. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.

A combined Ledbury Honey Badgers and Yeovil Women team are set to face Stafford Women in a Mixed Ability match at 1pm.

The Ledbury Lions will also host Widden Old Boys at 2.15pm.