Rugby union
Pershore continue to march on

Pershore 39 Old Wheatleyans 10

Midlands Three West (South)

PERSHORE made it ten successive league wins as they brushed aside their Coventry visitors on Saturday.

The try-scoring bonus point was sealed within 30 minutes as Pershore ran in five first half tries without being put under any sort of pressure from Old Wheats.

Pershore's forwards were industrious throughout as they dominated the scrum and tackle, however they were less convincing in the lineout where the visitors constantly disrupted the home side's ball.

Although the conditions were not great underfoot, Pershore still tried to play an expansive game and opened the scoring through skipper Ben Humphries, but the conversion was missed.

Centre Dan Goodlad added a second before winger Ashley White finished off a move straight from the kick-off when Scott Williams caught the ball and the home forwards drove a maul 30 metres upfield before Alex Peel spotted a gap in the struggling defence and the ball found its way to White who outpaced the defence to score.

Fly half Tommy Hayes added the bonus point try with a great individual effort and Lewis Dolphin added the conversion after taking over the kicking duties.

There was still time for Goodlad to add his second try just before half time.

Old Wheats started the second half well and, with the strong wind now in their favour, managed to pin Pershore near their line.

Stout defence, not always legal, kept the visitors out, however the referee lost patience with the home side's tactics and sin-binned Alex Peel for killing the ball at a ruck and the whitewash was soon crossed as Old Wheats scored in the corner.

Pershore had to use the strong running of Martin Hope and Rich Baker in midfield to get into the opposing half and when they did Dolphin was on hand to score a try under the posts which he converted.

Luke Hardiman added a final try with ten minutes left as Pershore's stranglehold on the game tightened.

Old Wheats had the final say with a try in the last minute.

Third placed Pershore remain seven points behind second placed Old Leamingtonians with a game in hand as they prepare to visit Cheltenham North tomorrow for a rearranged league fixture.

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