DESPITE losing this Midlands Three West (South) game, Ledbury put in a satisfactory performance against high-flying Stratford.

LEDBURY 15PTS, STRATFORD 29PTS

For the first half Ledbury played up the slope and into the strong wind and soon found themselves 7-0 down when the Stratford centre waltzed in.

Ledbury fought back well and camped in the Stratford 22 for at least 20 minutes but to no avail. Stratford edged up the field and scored another try, this time through their winger. A penalty soon afterwards made it 17-0 to the Warwickshire side.

Ledbury tried to hang on until half time but a glaring missed tackle let in the Stratford fly half. At the break Stratford led 24-0.

Ledbury began the second half well with Chris Lewins, Gareth Rowlands and Bill Sparrey all hammering the Stratford defence.

This led to centre Kieram Hallam creating a quick break to put wing Olly Kaye in, to get Ledbury on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately Ledbury were then reduced to 14 men when Al Dixon was yellow-carded for some over-eager rucking. Stratford then drove over for another try to take the lead 29-5.

The home side then played some good rugby for the final 15 minutes which resulted in Martin Williams crashing over the line for a great try, closely followed by Olly Kaye sprinting in for his second of the game as Ledbury bought some respectability to the scoreline.