A WEAKENED Ledbury side ran out close winners in a keenly-contested local derby against Colwall III on Saturday, victory being clinched with just a ball to spare.

Having won the toss, Colwall got over the early loss of Kendall and made good progress, moving to 45-1 with Purser hitting a quick-fire 25 before he came the second victim of Steve Evans, who bowled 12 overs taking 2-29. An excellent spell of bowling, which deserved more reward for constantly going past the outside edge.

Williams (37) and Bishop (50) continued Colwall's progress before dangerman Williams was snapped up at slip, off the typically economical Jones (1-38).

At that point Colwall were still well-placed but no-one else in the Colwall side could go on to play a substantial innings and a steady flow of wickets enabled Ledbury to exert some control over the run rate, with Maurice Embrey taking 3-27, towards the death.

Colwall finished their innings on 199-8, a score helped in no small part by some lacklustre catching and ground fielding from Ledbury's fielders, who put down four chances.

In reply, Ledbury's openers of Ehrlich and Yeoman were watchful in the face of some tight opening spells from Goode and Henderson. Once the opening spells were seen off both batsman accelerated against the second string bowling putting the bad balls away and stealing singles. The two progressed Ledbury's score to 83 before Yeoman was bowled by a shooter for 36.

After this Ledbury's run-rate fell as the softer ball became more and more difficult to get to the boundary. In the attempt to accelerate the scoring, Ehrlich (51) fell next stumped charging down the wicket just after completing his half-century.

This brought together Herbert and Embrey, who, when they were both settled-in, set about increasing the scoring tempo, assisted again by some somewhat lacklustre fielding. With victory nearing Herbert was dismissed for a vital 18. This left Ledbury needing 37 off the last six overs with seven wickets in hand.

Although finely poised, the equation was always in Ledbury's favour and Pat Locke hit a quick-fire 23no including the winning four to take Ledbury home. The ever-consistent Maurice Embrey again passed 50, finishing up 56no.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Ledbuy firsts finish their league season at home to Talgarth.

The seconds are away at Woolhope in the semi-final of the division six cup, having received a bye last weekend owing to Bishop's School being unable to raise a side.