Rugby union
Tough ask for Pershore

Newbold 50 Pershore 19

Midlands Two West (South)

SATURDAY'S game showed the difference between the top and bottom of the league as the Rugby-based hosts overpowered the visitors.

Both teams have their own injury problems but second placed Newbold were confident and clinical whereas Pershore, although they worked tirelessly, panicked when they were in the red zone and seemed to make the wrong decision at key points-scoring opportunities.

It was always going to be tough for the visitors who were 17-0 down within the first ten minutes, although they then managed to impose themselves on the game.

Martin Hope and Steve Holmes particularly carried the ball well and brothers Josh and Luke Hardiman ensured Pershore won their fair share of lineout ball.

It was after one of Hope's trademark runs penetrating the defence that winger Matt Harwood capitalised on to score in the corner, although Matt Cyphus missed the conversion.

Pershore came close to adding a second just before half time after centre Adrian Hanson took a quick penalty near his own line.

Pershore attacked through Richard Baker and Josh Hardiman and, whilst deep in the visitors' half, the ball found its way to Hope who came up just short.

The second half started exactly as the first had with Newbold scoring three quick and unanswered tries.

At 38-5 the game was won, but Pershore carried on and the industrious Ben Yeates in the second row continued to work hard and help his fellow forwards continue to have their fair share of both territory and possession.

Pershore were rewarded through Hope with a trademark try from the base of the scrum which replacement fly half Lewis Dolphin converted.

With ten minutes remaining Newbold extended their lead with two quick tries but in the closing minutes Ben Humphries crashed over for a try again converted by Dolphin.

Although in the dying seconds Pershore chased the bonus point try, they came up just short.

Tomorrow (2.15pm) second bottom Pershore are back at Piddle Park where they entertain Berkswell & Balsall.