AFTER a humbling experience at the hands of Stratford last week, Ledbury were fully aware of Shipston’s potential, who had in turn beaten Hereford the previous week.

Prior to the game, on a perfect pitch with a light breeze, a minute’s applause was observed in celebration former player and President, Tony Wargent, who first played for Ledbury in 1957.

From the kick-off, Ledbury showed promise and it wasn’t long before they were awarded a penalty and from the lineout drove hard but knocked on.

From the ensuing scrum, Ledbury won a further penalty and elected to run the ball, resulting in an unconverted try for Ben Lewis.

Shipston responded with some electric handling, but Ledbury were a different outfit compared with the previous week.

A succession of errors saw both sides struggling, but after a full water break, both teams were competing.

Shipston drew level after their winger was put into space.

From the restart, Ledbury knocked on but were awarded a penalty at the scrum and Iolo Bubb kicked for the corner.

A textbook driving maul saw Cody Richardson Wall score from the lineout which Iolo Bubb converted.

Shipston kept Ledbury under the pump and were rewarded with a fine try for their centre after a quickly taken penalty going into halftime.

Shipston had the benefit of the slope in the second half and it wasn’t long before their right wing started some mazy running, resulting in a clash of heads and a penalty.

Soon after the Shipston lock was on call to dive through the legs of the Ledbury defence to make it 12-15.

At last Ledbury started spreading the ball wide to the backs and when Shipston knocked the ball on in tackling Nathan Watkins, a scrum was awarded.

Tom Assal was knocked back, but Tom Hill was able to scoop up the loose ball to score from 20 metres out, with Iolo Bubb converting.

At this stage the numerous visiting supporters were silenced, indeed a beautifully hoisted kick from Bubb was safely gathered by Tom Assal in a strong attacking position only to be penalised for being in front of the kicker.

From a quickly taken penalty the Shipston number eight weaved his way over out wide to make it 19-20.

Neck and neck but the turning point came when the Shipston No6 was not stopped in the tackle and was able to score the softest of tries under the posts.

 Shipston began to go through the gears and despite some frantic defence, the Shipston winger evaded several tackles to score in the corner another try.

With time running out, Ledbury again won a penalty and for the third time mauled their way over with a fine try for John Clarke.

 Shipston were to have the final say, as a brilliant chip ahead was touched down by the left wing in the corner and the right winger was then put into space to score between the sticks and end the game Ledbury 26-46 Shipston.