LEDBURY RFC moved to the top of the Midlands Three West (South) table with a 14-5 win over local rivals Upton on Severn at a packed out Ross Road on Friday night.
With a large crowd in attendance, both sides were keen to entertain the supporters, but a heavy downpour before the game made conditions difficult under foot.
However, Upton were determined to persist with their expansive brand of rugby and they got their rewarded with a well-worked try on the 12th minute.
Ledbury gradually began to take advantage of the slope and wind before they crossed the whitewash. Skipper Jock Welch, who was back playing after a three week work enforced absence, marked his return with a try as the home forwards started dominate.
George Bennion then landed a penalty with the last kick of the first half to give Ledbury a slender 8-5 lead at the break.
The fly half was in fine form with the boot as he fired over six further points from the tee at the start of the second period.
With a nine point advantage, Ledbury remained on top as they continued to exert pressure in the set piece and at the breakdown.
Upton’s cause was also not helped when two players were yellow card and that ultimately ended their challenge as Ledbury comfortably saw out time.
The Herefordshire side were also boosted as their result was enough to see them regain top spot after Cheltenham North suffered a 48-12 defeat away to Old Yardleians on Saturday.