Ledbury'S stop-start performance, mixed with ill discipline, saw them struggle to their second Midlands Three West (South) victory of the season.
LEDBURY 16PTS, SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR 10PTS
The game started on a positive note with some good play from Ledbury. Following an early infringement from Shipston, Ledbury were awarded with a penalty that Barrett Price duly slotted taking the early score line to 3-0. However, Shipston fought back and scored a try after some lapse defending from Ledbury.
Ledbury then took the game by the scruff of the neck, totally dominating the remainder of the half. Barrett Price quickly added another penalty which bought Ledbury to within a point. After continued hard work from the Ledbury pack they were duly rewarded with a try from Chris Lewins from a well-driven line out which Barrett Price converted and Ledbury led by 13-7.
Ledbury continued to dominate the half but the only reward was a further Barrett Price penalty. This should have been a lot more, and Ledbury only have themselves to blame with a serious lack of discipline at the breakdown. The score at the interval was 16-7 to the home side.
The second half started in the same fashion with Ledbury in the ascendancy, with only their ill discipline preventing them from scoring.
After some probing runs from Russ Putland and excellent work in the tight from Chris Lewins and Bill Sparrey, Ledbury continued to press.
From a subsequent attack the ball was worked wide to Will Green, who simply had to catch the ball to score, but failed to do this as another chance went begging.
A series of unlikely events then saw a change in the momentum, Chris Lewins and Will Green were sin-binned in separate incidents which meant Ledbury were down to 13 men entering the last quarter.
This spurred on the Shipston team who quickly slotted a penalty, meaning they only needed a converted try to steal the win. The Ledbury defence held firm and they saw out the victory. The final score Ledbury 16pts, Shipston 10pts.
Ledbury coach Rob Collins said: "I am relieved that we have got the victory, however our performance leaves a lot to be desired, discipline was a serious issue today, something that will have to be corrected if we are to win again this season."
Ledbury's next game is a week Saturday (November 13) against Stratford-upon-Avon.
All players wanting to be part of the first team squad need to be at training on Tuesday and Thursday and be available for selection.
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