Ledbury 44    Old Saltleians   38

Sunday 14th May 2023

Report by John Wilesmith
Photos by Beth Jones

Cup finals are usually tight affairs and this final clash of the season was no different!

In perfect conditions, and on a very firm pitch, Ledbury began well – kicking for the corner from an early penalty and trundled over for a try after a rolling maul, Ed Bennion touching down with George Wallin converting (7-0).

Ed Bennion

A comfortable settling in start to steady the nerves but the next 15 minutes belonged exclusively to Old Saltleians. A clever clearance kick gave them an attacking position just inside the Ledbury 22 and from the ensuing line out were able to replicate Ledbury’s try (7-7). From the kick off deft handling and a probing chip caught Ledbury asleep allowing in a soft try (7-14). Old Saltleians physicality was proving a challenge for Ledbury and another chip kick saw their scrum half Tom Lee scramble over for a third swift try (7-21). Ledbury however rebounded immediately and, putting the ball through the hands, were able to score when George Wallin created space for Ed Bennion to ground his second and duly added the extras (14-21).  Ben Stevens was at his abrasive best when, from an innocuous penalty, Dave Sutherland found Stevens who proceeded to smash his way through several tackles and level the scores with Wallin once more doing the honours (21-21). Phew, to and fro stuff, all in the first half hour!!

Ben Stevens

Ledbury continued to dominate territory and nudged ahead when a penalty was awarded on the OS 22, which Wallin deftly popped over (24-21). A significant turning point came when Ledbury scrum half Tom Hill was substituted after a heavy concussion by the youthful Iolo Bubb, eager from his Ledbury Colts appearance in their recent NM Stan Whitfield Cup triumph. Meanwhile Old Saltleians No4, Ryan Lee, came off second best against Ledbury’s wrecking ball, Ben Stevens, leaving the pitch for good and Ledbury were able to increase their tenuous lead with a further penalty from Wallin (27-21). Old Saltleians were however still causing Ledbury problems at scrum time and scored their fourth try (27-26), unconverted. Iolo Bubb marked his distinguished 1st XV debut when, under considerable pressure, kicked Ledbury into a great attacking position with an outstanding 50/22, slotting the ball right on the Old Saltleians line… the line out was duly won and Alex Voisey sliced through the defence to touch down (32-26), grateful for a slender lead as the half time whistle sounded.

Iolo Bubb

The second half saw an aerial kicking battle commence and Ledbury found themselves on the back foot with a rampant Old Saltleians pack pounding their line. The match was beginning to open up a little when an unfortunate Charlie Barber-Starkey was yellow carded in attempting to deny Old Saltleians a try, (32-31). From the kick off, Old Saltleians failed to gather, giving Ledbury vital possession – a pouncing Wallin swung the ball wide to set up Dan Smith for a well worked try and, to cue, added the extras (39-31). By this time, Ben Stevens left the field of play due to a rib injury, but the cavalry arrived in the shape of Tom Manning, Harry Harris and veteran Jock Welch to join the party and strive to preserve a meagre lead, albeit with one man down briefly.

Dan Smith

Old Saltleians were one dimensional in attack, but Ledbury had their work cut out to defend. Tackling was of the highest order and Ledbury inched their way out of trouble. When a penalty was awarded 40 metres out, Ledbury kicked for the corner and from the line out always threatened to score until flanker Ben Day acrobatically touched down one handed in the corner (44-31). The last ten minutes were nail biting, with Old Saltleians throwing everything into attack and having the upper hand territorially. Winger Zak Mann crucially touched down in the corner and from the touch line Lewis Beaty converted, (44-38). Too close for comfort!

Ben Day

In the closing minutes, Ledbury’s scrambling defence conceded penalty after penalty with Old Saltleians playing to their strength and opting to scrummage as they desperately needed more than a mere three points. Over eager to enable a try, their backs were caught for crossing when the Ledbury line was at their mercy…. A massive let off penalty to Ledbury 10 metres from their own line which was the last play of the match, much to the delight of over 100 Ledbury supporters who had travelled up to Weston Fields, Worcester, to witness history repeating itself as the 1st XV replicated their victory in the same completion over the same opponents 20 years ago.

Both sides gave their all in what was a fitting finale to the season but a well chuffed, albeit exhausted, Ledbury side was mighty pleased to bring home another piece of silverware. Congratulations must go to our near neighbours, Bromyard, who also notched up a triumph on the day, winning the North Midlands Shield Plate Final in a close contest against Woodrush.

Alfie Scholefield

That’s all the action for this season but look out for summer activities at Ross Road before three pre-season warmup games in August against Ludlow, Bridgend Athletic and Malvern. Details to follow.

Finally congratulations to all Ledbury players, at all ages, for another memorable season and a huge thank you to all the supporters and volunteers that helped make it happen…..if you are in the mood to celebrate come on down to the End of Season Dinner this Friday!

North Mids Shield Jubilation

Have a great, safe summer one and all!!

North Midlands Shield Winners Squad