LEDBURY’S annual club cricket day proved a success with a fine turn-out of players and supporters despite the inclement weather.

The over 30s took on the under 30s again and this time experience told as the veterans ran out comfortable winners.

The youngsters won the toss in bowler-friendly conditions but Paul Allen blunted their attack with some classic batting before departing followed by Chris Ritchie and Steve Evans within a few overs.

The experienced Phil Caffull (38) and Stu Evans (17) came to the fore as they laid the platform for a late assault by Rich Orders (54 not out).

He took apart Paddy Merryman and captain Paul Andrews before adding a crucial 38 runs for the last wicket with the ever-green Tony Griffin as the over 30s posted 228 in 40 overs.

In reply, useful contributions from Tom Dold, Merryman and Dave Nash put the under 30s in with a chance.

Vicky Evans’ departure to the wily spin of Stu Evans set the run-chase back until a partnership of nearly 100 between Josh Evans (37) and Dave Peacock (48) seemed to have set up victory.

But captain Neil Andrews’ shrewd bowling changes changed the game through spinners Orders and Rob Yeoman.

Yeoman tempted two youngsters to be dismissed, aided by Chris Ritchie behind the stumps, and man-of-the-match Orders (4-17), having earlier run-out Merryman, destroyed the late middle order, including a sharp caught and bowled to remove Paul Andrews.

In the Marches League, Ledbury survived the drop from Division One after gaining seven points from a 105-run defeat at champions Goodrich.

Josh Evans (3-49) and Neil Andrews (3-48) were the main wicket-takers in the hosts’ 237-8 from 45 overs before the town replied with 132-6 thanks to Paul Andrews (52) and Matt Ehrlich (24no).

Ledbury seconds recorded a deserved 15-run victory over Goodrich for 23 points to move out of the Division Three drop-zone but relegation rivals Kington seconds have a game in hand to play tomorrow.

After losing the toss, openers Yeoman (18) and Chris Ritchie (24) started solidly before an aggressive 43 from Luke Ledbury and contributions from Jason Belcher (25) and Stu Evans (18) saw the hosts to 182 all out.

Man-of-the-match Steve Large (4-25) took a wicket with the first ball and claimed two more quick victims to leave Goodrich on 15-3.

The visitors hit back but Darren James (2-32) bagged two important wickets and Si Ritchie (3-37) also chipped in before Belcher (1-47) mopped up their opponents for 167.