LEDBURY produced a flawless first-half performance on Saturday as they thrashed Earlsdon 54-5 as their perfect start to the new year continued.

The hosts were 42-0 up at half-time having scored six tries thanks Ben Mason (2), Dan Heath, Cam Smith, Ed Bennion and Iolo Bubb.

The second-half was a more competitive affair and a number of changes at the break slowed Ledbury down, but they still ran in two more tries to hit the half-century mark.

The first score of the day came from second-row Heath after a well-worked set piece by the forwards and further dominance up front allowed Mason and Bubb to combine for a second try.

Ledbury were firing on all cylinders and further scores from Cam Smith and Ed Bennion saw the home team wrap up the bonus-point. The ever-trusty Jack Hughes continued his perfect day from the tee with another conversion to make it 28-0.

In one of the strangest tries in recent times at Ross Road, a Ledbury kick to touch was tapped back in-field by the Earlsdon wing, only to be gathered by winger Mason, who ran it in from 30m. Another Hughes conversion increased the unanswered home lead (35-0).

Having taken the game to Earlsdon throughout the first half, Ledbury found themselves close to the try line once more. A sniping dart from the back of a ruck by Iolo Bubb ended the half with a sixth try as they took a 42-0 lead into the sheds.

With a raft of strategic changes at half-time, Harry Evans replaced stalwart Jock Welch in the front row, and flanker Jonny Whitting switched positions with Tom Hill who replaced Iolo Bubb at scrum-half.

Ledbury showed more dominance but couldn't get over the whitewash until, in true Whitting style, the back-row convert got finished off a well-worked passage of play.

Discipline then led to two yellow cards for Ledbury and the visitors took advantage of playing against 13 with a try of their own to ensure they did not end the day scoreless.

But following the return to full strength, a lineout deep in the Earlsdon half resulted in a pick and go from Jock Welsh. Unfortunately, what would have been a 100% perfect kicking display by Jack Hughes ended with the last conversion spraying wide.