Ledbury CC made it two victories in a row as they edged out Brockhampton 3rd XI in a thrilling finish in their first home match of the 2026 season at Orlham Lane, writes Tom Bowring.
On a perfect spring afternoon, Brockhampton won the toss and elected to bat first. Ledbury made early inroads thanks to an impressive opening spell from Chaz Barber, who removed both openers.
One dismissal was highlighted by an outstanding one-handed diving catch at backward point from Richard Orders. Brian Weaver bowled a disciplined spell of left-arm bowling and was rewarded with a wicket while maintaining consistent pressure.
The key breakthrough came from Josh Evans, who dismissed Brockhampton’s main threat, Griff Bubb, for a well-made 73.
With Bubb gone, the visitors’ middle and lower order struggled to build momentum. David Nash and Josh and Vicky Evans each picked up two wickets, while captain Rhys Gunter battled through injury to claim one himself.
Brockhampton were dismissed for 219 in the final over of their innings.
Ledbury were sharp in the field throughout, with debutant David Copestake taking two excellent catches and wicketkeeper Nick Gibbons adding another sharp take close to the wicket.
In reply, Ledbury were tested early by Brockhampton seamer Tom Kennedy, who removed both Richard Orders and Josh Evans to leave the home side 29–2. Tom Bowring countered with a positive innings of 52 to steady the chase, before being caught and bowled by Bubb.
The match then swung decisively in Ledbury’s favour thanks to a crucial 100-run partnership between Nick Gibbons and David Nash.
Their stand put Ledbury in control at 181–3, but Brockhampton captain Adam Hewlett sparked a late revival with four wickets. He dismissed Gibbons lbw and Nash caught in the deep in the same over, and added the wickets of Brian Weaver and Copestake soon after.
Ledbury entered the final over on 204–7, needing 15 runs. Captain Gunter held his nerve, striking key boundaries before sealing victory with a decisive cut shot for four from the penultimate ball.
Ledbury will aim to build momentum this Saturday when they host Bartestree and Lugwardine 2nd XI at Orlham Lane.
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