WITH the first round of the Junior Cup coming up, Ledbury were looking for a good performance in this their first full game of the season to carry on the good work laid down in the winning of the Bethel Trophy and Upton Sevens.

LEDBURY 20pts, CHELTENHAM CIVIL SERVICE 20pts

Civil service started quickly with three points from an off side by the Ledbury backs, this was the only time that they looked threatening in the first half.

Ledbury dominated the lineout and mauled well gaining yardage every time they drove one in particular ending in a try for prop Steve Wheeler.

The lineout were functioning well and a good variation on the lineout saw number eight Denver Rollins score coming round the front of the line and showing good speed and strength to get to the try line carrying three of the opposing backs with him.

Sean Walsh, Ledbury's inside centre scored next from a charge down showing his speed and alertness of thought to make it to the ball before the Service cover could scramble across to stop him touching down for his first try in Ledbury colours.

Mark Cox the outside centre showed an excellent turn of pace to slice through the Service defence after quick ball from the forwards.

A strong first half seemed to make Ledbury over confident and allowed Service back into the game with three tries and a conversion in the second half to draw level. Gaps appeared in the Ledbury defence and even though Alan Dixon and Mick Christopher still dominated the lineout Ledbury couldn't seem to rekindle the fire of the first half.

The second half finished ignominiously with skipper Mark 'Vince' Bell being yellow carded for retaliation.

The scrummaging had improved and the mauling was controlled and effective, only a lack of aggressive rucking in the second half was a point to be worked on in the lead up to tomorrow's (Saturday) Junior cup away clash with Wednesbury.

HAVING had some rare tussles with Cheltenham CS in the past, Ledbury Seconds picked a strong pack, despite the absence of captain Kevin Clunie who was on call for the 1st XV.

Dave Robinson returned after a two-year absence as captain, and Ledbury started the game at full throttle, scoring almost immediately.

It later became apparent that there had been a desperate mis-match, as Ledbury scored try after try with little opposition; Rhiddian Jones was first on the score sheet, Nick Bevan scored a hat-trick, Robinson two tries and Chris Chapman also got in on the act.

Ledbury II are away to Evesham tomorrow (Saturday) where they hope to have a sterner test.