LEDBURY’S wait for a first victory in Marches League Division Two continues as they suffered a sickening home defeat to Woolhope.

The Orlham Lane outfit looked set for a long-awaited win as Woolhope, chasing 169 for victory, found themselves starring defeat in the face at 132-9.

But John Lamont (25 not out) and Richard Watts (9 no) produced a resilient final-wicket stand to claim an unlikely one-wicket win.

It was a tough defeat for Ledbury to take as they got off to a strong start after electing to bat.

The hosts reached 69 without loss before Tom Willis was bowled by Ben Owen for 27. Richard Orders (37) was next to go as Ledbury were soon reduced to 103-5.

While others faltered Brandon Caffull scored 41 off 42 balls and Matt Ehrlich hit three boundaries on his way to 17 as Ledbury were dismissed for 168 in the 44th over.

Josh Evans then gave his side a double boost when he removed openers Ben Owen (14) and Lee Roberts (6).

This was followed by three wickets from Caffull as he saw off Andrew Tanner (26), Nigel Edmondson (30) and Jake Price (14) to leave Woolhope struggling on 106-5.

Daniel Fox became Evans’ fourth victim before Jason Belcher picked up two wickets and Steve Evans bowled Stuart Davies for a duck as Ledbury closed in on victory.

But they were cruelly denied as Lamont and Watts scored the 37 runs required for the win.

Ledbury second XI struggled to find an answer to Garnons’ big hitting as they had to settle for a losing draw in their Division Three clash.

Ed Pearson Gregory (79) and Andrew Matthew (63) piled on the runs before Stuart Turpin notched 62 not out as the hosts posted 254-3 from their 45 overs.

Ledbury were left with it all to do and their task became even greater when they were reduced to 80-4. But some middle order resistance from Chris Ritchie (32), Matt Hartness (28) and Sebastien Fell (27) helped the home side to 176-8.

Ledbury’s first and second team are not in action this weekend.

Eastnor claimed an impressive two-wicket win over Worcestershire League Division Three high-fliers Rushwick.

Suleyman Shah recorded figures of 4-39 as Eastnor bowled out the visitors for 190. Josh Emery then top scored with 62 and captain Scott Roberts finished 46 not out to clinch victory.

Eastnor host Harborne thirds on Saturday (1pm).