Andrews V Ledbury

Match Report SAINT ANDREWS 10pts – LEDBURY 35pts

Already missing a raft of key players Saint’s task against league champions Ledbury was made even more difficult when a harsh dismissal for retaliation reduced them to 14 men for most of the game. There was no lack of effort or commitment from the squad, which included 5 teenagers, but, ultimately the visitors carried too much fire power, running in 3 tries in the final quarter against a tired defence.

The Herefordshire side were keen to avenge their only loss of the season and soon had Saints under pressure. Failure to deal with Ledbury’s big strike runners led to 2 converted tries in just 15 minutes with just a Joe Hudson penalty in response. The home side had the better of the remainder of the half, battering away at the line for several minutes but resolute defence prevented any score, albeit at the cost of numerous penalties and 2 yellow cards.

Even with a one man advantage and the strong wind behind Ledbury were unable to add to their score until the hour mark, only for Saints to reply with a Ryan Taylor try, converted by Joe Hudson, bringing the score to 21 -10. A yellow card then left just 13 tired bodies on the field and Ledbury took full advantage with 2 converted tries in the last few minutes to record a 20th consecutive victory, which was undoubtedly deserved even if the final scoreline did not reflect Saint’s wholehearted contribution.

The loss leaves Saints in 6th place which is reasonable outcome for a side in transition and with a crop of talented youngsters coming through from Juniors and Colts.

Saint’s seconds lost out 7 -5 to Ledbury in a match remarkable for the fact that 5 of the second generation of the Devgun dynasty played in the game, with a 6th, Avi, refereeing.