LEDBURY got their Marches League Division Two campaign back on track with a hard-fought, but well-spirited derby win over Bosbury.

Asked to bat first, Bosbury’s powerful line up struggled to adapt to the Ledbury conditions where, with the ball not coming on to the bat it was hard to play forcing shots. Ledbury’s skipper Steve Large once again led by example bowling an immaculate line and length, giving the batsmen no respite and taking three early wickets including the in-form openers Probyn and Spiller.

The hosts’ second change bowlers offered no let up in the pressure, Embrey was equally accurate in his line and length. The previously inconsistent James Brighton found his length and a huge amount of swing to rip the heart out of Bosbury’s middle order. He took 5-18 in eight overs with his ability to trap the batsmen at the crease with swinging deliveries. Only Stokes (21) played with any confidence and Bosbury were skittled out for 81 in 35 overs during Saturday’s clash.

Needing early wickets, Bosbury’s bowlers came out with equal intensity and got the breakthroughs they needed, Davies’ slower ball accounting for Pritchard and Greening. Moved up the order to stem the tide Bettington (18), under pressure given his ex-Bosbury allegiances, and Hathaway dug in to share a stubborn partnership of 20 runs in 14 tough overs.

Just when it looked like they had broken the visitors’ spirits, Luke Ledbury grabbed two more quick wickets to leave the game in the balance at 48-6.

This though brought together Brighton (15no) and Embrey (21no), both of whom had moved down the order following their exertions in the field.

Neither really looked troubled despite the tense situation and, taking care not to take any undue risks.

They added an unbroken partnership of 36 to see Ledbury home in the 40th over.

Embrey especially showed the ability to pick out the gap which none of the other batsmen had mastered all day.

On a wicket where it was tough to force the pace, both sides put together a highly competitive local derby, Ledbury will hope this is the kick-start their season needs.