BOTTOM-of-the-table Evesham Rugby Club battled hard in a 23-10 home defeat to high-flying Ledbury.

In difficult conditions on a saturated ground with strong wind and heavy rain, Evesham sensibly kicked for position in the first-half and led 10-8 at the interval.

Ledbury opened the scoring with a penalty but Evesham hit back with a converted try five minutes later.

Despite a try from the visitors, the Vale side kicked a penalty before the break.

But Ledbury increasingly dominated through their scrums and made it three tries for the game in taking the victory in the second period.

Evesham host Cheltenham North on Saturday (2.15pm).