LEDBURY RFC suffered a 0-38 home defeat against a title chasing Newent side who have an unbeaten league record this season.

Perfect conditions attracted a crowd of over 500 spectators, the majority hoping that the Herefordshire side could cause an upset.

It was not long before Newent fizzed the ball wide and Jim Hartland was able to pick a perfect line to split the Ledbury defence to score after two minutes play (0-5).

Ledbury responded well and spent significant time in the Newent 22 but were unable to break through a well organised and vocal defence, which was aggressive and effective.

Newent moved further ahead with a superbly executed backs try as George Clair scythed through the Ledbury defence to score in the corner - converted by Tom Webb (0-12).

Ledbury were merely living off scraps of possession and numerous penalties conceded by Newent.

The pressure on hosts was relentless and the Newent scrum half soon dummied his way over for a further try, converted by Webb (0-19).

Newent could have gone further ahead but a desperate Ledbury defence thwarted them. Desperate to get on the scoreboard before half-time Ledbury came ever so close through captain Harry Harris who was frustratingly held up over the line.

Ledbury supporters hoped that they would be able to counter a 19-point deficit going into the second half with the benefit of attacking down the slope.

Sadly for Ledbury, the visitors started the second half exactly where they left off, with a bang.

Flanker George Phelps was able to batter his way over for a superb try in the corner despite the attention of two tacklers (0-24).

Ledbury were struggling to contain a well organised Newent back division, however a yellow card for Hartland for slapping down a pass gave the home side a glimmer of hope to score some points.

Zak Bonfield suddenly broke clear but his pass to Tom Assal was a little earlier than expected causing a knock on, ultimately letting Newent off the hook at a crucial moment.

Heavy drizzle began to fall as Newent conceded penalty after penalty, yet still denying Ledbury a score.

A resilient visiting defence were able to weather the storm and, once restored to a full team, worked their way once more up field to win a lineout 10 metres out and maul their way over for a second try for Jim Hartland, converted by Webb (0-31).

Ledbury realised that running straight and hard at Newent was beginning to pay dividends, as the penalty count against Newent continued to mount for numerous high tackles.
Ledbury’s lineout was functioning well, but without punch and, from a relatively even start, Newent were now dominating the set scrummage in the latter stages of play, despite Jock Welch putting in a huge shift.
Newent were able to rub salt in the wound by rumbling over for a third try for Hartland, converted by Tom Webb from a rolling maul (0-38).

Ledbury have a free weekend before heading to Malvern for a crunch derby clash on Saturday, November 30.