DESPITE the score line, Ledbury put in a spirited performance against higher grade Leamington last Saturday in the Powergen Intermediate Cup.

LEAMINGTON 42pts, LEDBURY RFC 5pts

For the first ten minutes both sides showed their attacking intents as each sets of backs created chances, but it was Leamington who drew first blood when their winger went across the try line following good work from the centres.

Leamington then took control of the game as their skilful back line cut loose. On the 15 minute mark the Leamington centre sold a brilliant dummy to score his side's second try and soon after Leamington drove over for their third.

Stand in skipper Russ Putland then delivered stern words to Ledbury which seemed to work as they came out fighting for the remainder of the half. Some great play by backs Keiram Hallam and Jarrett Osbourne meant Ledbury came close to a try but unfortunately they were denied.

The Ledbury pack started to dominate the Leamington pack, with No 8 Sam Scholefield and brother David making some hard yards. Ledbury's persistence was rewarded when Darren Handy scored his first Ledbury try following intuitive play from scrum half Rob Collins. Ledbury continued putting on the pressure but couldn't break through the Leamington defence.

The second half was very much Leamington's, as they quickly scored another try to effectively kill the game. To make matters worse Ledbury wing Olly Kaye was sin binned for the first time in his playing career for a high tackle. Leamington scored another three tries as Ledbury battled valiantly, but had no answer to the classy Leamington back line.

Coach Rob Collins was proud of the performance by the depleted squad.

He said: "The set pieces were excellent but we just need to find the killer instinct to punish opponents. We are sad to be out of the cup but now we can concentrate fully on the league."

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury travel to Bedworth. The next home game is October 2 against Earlsdon. Kick off at 3pm.