Ledbury 16 pts Keresley 14

LEDBURY'S recent good form in the Midlands 3 West (South) faltered after building up a substantial lead but they still gained victory against the bottom team.

Ledbury started brightly and scored a fine early try through winger Lee Douglas. Kieran Hallam then created a try for wily campaigner Rob Collins and, with Barrett Price landing a penalty, they flew into a 13-point lead.

But they lost momentum as the big visiting pack took control and stamped their authority on possession to drive over for a converted try before the break.

Sensing they were in with a chance of a win, the bottom club continued to press and eventually took the lead with a second converted try.

Ledbury tried to get back into the game but the powerful Keresley pack still continued to hold sway.

James Handley was a tower of defence for Ledbury who repelled the visiting pack and then upped the tempo to try to snatch victory.

Two penalty chances were missed as Ledbury pressurised the Keresley line but, with time running out, a further spell of sustained Ledbury pressure forced the visitors to concede a third penalty, converted by Barrett Price.

The visitors stormed back and in a late flurry were awarded a penalty. Fortunately for Ledbury, the kick sailed wide.