Dudley Wasps 20,

Evesham 26pts

EVESHAM took their first successful stride into the North Midlands Shield on Sunday when they recorded a well-deserved win.

The visitors were made up of first, second and third team players - all prepared to carry forward the Avon Street flag!

From the whistle Dudley ran at their opponents securing important yardage and testing courage and resilience in both tackling and discipline.

It was 15 minutes into the Dudley onslaught before they decided to take the penalty option to put them three points ahead - a lead that was doubled following even more pressure and subsequent penalty.

It was now time for Evesham to get into the game and, after a great forward rush from the restart, they applied sustained pressure resulting in a try from Will Bailey and converted by Bif Grove.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Evesham fully prepared to take the game to their hosts. They applied tremendous pressure driving Dudley back a yard at a time and allowing the pack to set up a rolling maul that was only stopped through infringement and resulting in a penalty try.

By this time Evesham had the taste for victory and, with applied pressure coming once again from the pack, they drove Dudley back.

Evesham took full advantage of their territorial gain and, with James Duncan marshalling the pack, they drove over the line with Lloyd Giles claiming the pushover score.

Grove converted and Evesham were now in front for the first time.

Evesham knew that they had to do more to lock Dudley out and secure the game and, with five minutes to go, Grove broke through the Dudley defence gaining 30 metres before linking up with Jamie Cameron who went over to post his side's fourth try.

Dudley now throw everything at Evesham but it was four minutes into injury-time when the line was breached but it proved too little too late.