Rugby union
Superb victory brings relief for Pershore

Old Leamingtonians 17 Pershore 22

Midlands Three West (South)

PERSHORE turned the formbook upside down on Saturday as they secured a deserved 22-17 victory at Old Leamingtonians.

The match was reversed to take place at OLs due to the recent wet weather making Piddle Park unplayable and this, coupled with the fact Pershore had been soundly beaten in their opening league fixtures whilst OLs were undefeated, meant the hosts were firm favourites to emerge victorious.

However, much to the surprise of the home team, Pershore scored a converted try before OLs got a touch of the ball.

Centre Tommy Hayes attacked the blindside and after interchanging passes with winger Stefan Ellis he scored under the posts. Scott Williams converted.

Pershore’s forwards started well and dominated the set piece, although the OLs backs always looked dangerous.

Tries from flanker Steve Holmes and hooker Ben Humphries further extended Pershore’s lead but, after an early second half score from Williams, OLs started to make a comeback.

Pershore defended heroically, even when down to 14 players after a sin-binning for Toby Grace, but OLs chipped away and clawed their way back to within five points, but this was too little too late and Pershore hung on for a bonus point win.

Pershore visit Old Wheatleyans tomorrow.

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