Ledbury 1st XI claimed a thrilling last-over victory over rivals Canon Frome in a demanding clash.

Ledbury ended their five-year losing streak to Canon Frome in an intense match at Orlham Lane that was decided with just three balls remaining.

Captain Josh Evans lost the toss, with the visitors opting to bat first.

On a pitch that was hard and rough, bowling was always going to be a challenge, however Ledbury put in an admirable performance, curtailing the run rate and claiming valuable wickets for a strong start to the game.

While opening bowlers Jack Trattel and Tom Hill did not claim any wickets their poised handling kept Canon Frome's batsmen at bay.

Brian Weaver, fresh from a call-up from the second XI, was also economic with the ball in hand as the batsmen failed to get momentum.

Evans took two wickets in the innings shortly following the drinks break, with Vicky Evans also claiming two of her own.

Leg spinner Jack Cambridge impressed most with the ball in hand, dismissing three in an outstanding individual innings.

Canon Frome ultimately closed their innings with 205 runs for nine from their 45 overs.

Ledbury’s batsmen had a slow start, with opener Josh Evans leaving the crease first with only eight runs to his name.

His fellow opener Hill battled valiantly against Canon Frome's bowlers, but struggled to get runs on the board.

Number three Tom Bowring sped up Ledbury’s innings with counter-attacking shots, although he was eventually ran out at 55 runs due to a miscommunication with Hill.

Despite some early struggles, the late innings proved momentous for Ledbury.

Sat at 127 runs for five, yet tasked with finding more than 80 runs, Owen Collingbourne’s unbeaten 44 runs and Chaz Barber’s 22 runs not out turned the game around, with the latter securing the victory with a final boundary.

The firsts will have the chance to relish their victory with a week off before their next clash on Saturday, July 6 against Pershore third XI, while Ledbury second XI will face Rushwick third XI at home.