A SPIRITED Ledbury turned in a big Midlands Three West (South) performance but fell just short against a skilful Silhillians side.

LEDBURY RFC 20PTS, SILHILLIANS 23PTS

A fired-up Ledbury flew out the blocks and Daren Lynch strolled under the posts for an easy score after only two minutes following a good break by Henry Blanford.

Ledbury then gave away a careless penalty to make the score 7-3 but then responded with a penalty themselves through Barrett Price to make it 10-3. But again gave away a needless penalty to make it 10-6.

Silhillians then had a strong 15-minute spell and scored a good try through their fullback. Ledbury responded well with the forwards easily dominating their Silhillian counter parts. Al Dixon, Si Christian, Matt Williams and the in-form James Handley all relishing the physicality of the game.

As ever, veteran backs Russ Putland and Pete Elkinton were dangerous and both came close to crossing the line before Matt Williams sneaked in for a rare try after good work from Denver Rollins. At half time Ledbury were leading 17-11.

The second half began disastrously for Ledbury, with James Handley getting sin-binned and Silhillians slotting a penalty to come back into the game.

Ledbury continued to battle hard with 14 men. Al Dixon soared in the lineouts and Steve Green found him with pin point accuracy. Unfortunately for Ledbury, as James Handley came back on, Darren Lynch then got yellow carded for persistent offending.

It was a crucial spell for Silhillians and they came away with ten points from that period.

Barrett Price slotted a penalty to make it 23-20 to set up a frantic last ten minutes. Ledbury wing Lee Douglas almost created something but Silhillians held on for a vital win.

A dejected Ledbury have to now take away the positives from the match and work on the negatives like penalty counts.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury take on Reddich in a friendly, 2.30pm kick off.