LEDBURY were a way off their best but still managed to maintain their perfect league record with a 22-13 win at strugglers Old Coventrians at the weekend.

Heading into the game with a maximum 40 points from 40 following eight bonus-points wins, the league leaders were looking to keep up the pace with second-placed Luctonians 2s also boasting a perfect record and breathing down their necks.

And at times on Saturday, it did look as though that record was under threat but the visitors did get the job done in the end.

From the kick-off, Old Coventrians were able to create some early pressure that provided a kickable penalty, which was duly converted. 3-0.

Ledbury eventually made their way up the pitch and gained a penalty themselves and from the ensuing lineout on the 22, Tom Assal went close to scoring, but spilled the ball in the process.

Minutes later Ledbury were in an identical position, but were again repulsed by a robust home defence, who looked more than up for the challenge of taking on the unbeaten league leaders.

Ledbury came again and from a penalty close to the Old Coventrians line, decided to run the ball and a neat switch saw Ed Bennion touch down on the line, converted by Jamie Rayfield (3-7).

Iolo Bubb's kicking produced the second try of the afternoon as his long-distance boot put Ledbury in a position to establish a driving maul that saw Jock Welch touch down out wide (12-3).

In a feisty atmosphere, the home crowd was becoming increasingly vocal towards the referee and matters on the pitch were matching that hostility, which saw the Old Coventrians vice-skipper being given his marching orders with a red card.

Ledbury took instant advantage of the extra man at the start of the second half when the pack ran the ball back at Old Coventrians to put Ben Mason over in the corner for an unconverted try (17-3).

Against the odds, there was an instant reaction from the hosts with the try of the game as they ran the ball wide and the winger easily outstripped the defence to score between the posts (17-8).

Whether it was the yellow card for Lewis Ballinger, or the departure of Jock Welch, Ledbury then struggled to compete for much of the remaining play.

It took the solo grit and determination of Cody Richardson-Wall however to inch his way over after another Ledbury mauled try (22-8) to secure the all-important bonus-point.

The home side had the last laugh, however, finishing their afternoon with a fine try in the corner (22-13) but thwarted in their chase for a losing bonus point.