Ledbury came away from Droitwich with a hard-fought win in this vital relegation clash.

DROITWICH 10PTS, LEDBURY 18PTS

The first half was a tense affair with neither side giving an inch.

Ledbury, with a more dominant pack and the boot of fly-half Rob Collins, just about came out on top in the opening stages.

However, it was Droitwich who drew first blood when, from a turnover, their flanker crashed over the line.

Ledbury remained calm and set up camp in the Droitwich 22. Unfortunately, some good defence and impatient play from Ledbury meant that they could only muster a Barrett Price penalty to reduce the deficit to 7-3 at half-time.

Ledbury started the second half well, repelling anything Droitwich threw at them, with veterans Martin Williams, Steve Green, Al Dixon and Simon Christian sewing up the tight for Ledbury.

In attack, Gareth Rowlands constantly made yards with Bill Sparey, Chris Lewins and Kieram Hallam playing outstandingly.

Ledbury scored their first try of the game when a backs' move was brilliantly finished off by Olly Kaye but Droitwich came back with a penalty to edge in front.

Ledbury dug in, not be denied a much-needed win, and regained the lead when Bill Sparey powered over from close range.

Soon after Barrett Price kicked another penalty to give Ledbury an 18-10 lead with ten minutes to play. Ledbury controlled the last ten brilliantly, pinning Droitwich back as time ticked away and the first XV could celebrate their first away win in nine months.

On Saturday, Ledbury have to do it all again when they are away to Shipston. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.