OLD Leamingtonians suffered their third Midlands Three West (South) defeat in a row on Saturday, losing 13-40 to Ledbury.
The visitors played a simple game of rugby, forcing Old Leamingtonians into their own half for the majority of the contest.
However the game was marred by an incident which left two visiting players hospitalised and OLs own Tom Smith suffering from a serious facial injury.
As a consequence, the game overran and was played on the newly floodlit second team pitch.
Ledbury struck early on when the home side’s opening kick was consequently sent back into their own 22.
OLs failed to clear the ball as a kick was charged down, leaving Ledbury to earn a converted try after just three minutes.
Seconds later and Ledbury scored a second converted try – leaving OLs 14 points down after just over five minutes of play.
Though OLs gained ground for the next 20 minutes and looked a more competitive side, the home team conceded far too many penalties and ultimately struggled to keep the ball in Ledbury’s end.
A penalty brought OLs to within 11 points in Ledbury, however the much stronger visiting team increased their lead in bizarre fashion when an attacking player was forced into touch within OLs 22 – though he handed the ball off to his team mate to set-up a third try.
By half time, Old Leamingtonians trailed 2-21.
There were moments of hope for OLs in the second half, winger Paul Salvin touched down out wide to give the home side their first try – and prop Craig Ellis caught Ledbury by surprise to add an unconverted try.
However both of their efforts came far too late as Ledbury had already established their ground and eventually ran out 13-40 winners.
Old Leamingtonians’ next league game comes on December 17 against Manor Park, kick-off 2.15pm.
