Earlsdon 6, Pershore 12pts

PERSHORE managed to grind out an important league win without seven regular first team players.

Their injury problems are now reaching crisis point but they showed a huge amount of character to win at Earlsdon who boasted an enormous pack.

The game itself was a dour affair with defence being the deciding factor. Pershore gave away two penalties in kicking range throughout the game and their defending was ferocious.

Every time Earlsdon put some continuity in to their game the Piddle Park men smashed them in the tackle putting them on the back foot and forcing mistakes.

Once again the forwards have to be applauded. Injuries have hit them hardest but Marcus Whyte and the vastly improving Alex Peel played really well.

Andy Watson and Jem Richardson caught the eye in the back row and, collectively, they helped ensure two points.

Pershore's first score came from a line-out and a miss pass in the centre that saw Ben Pullen hit a great line of attack. He was stopped just short of the line, but his pop pass in the tackle was taken by Andy Rush who crashed over. Robin Haines converted.

The lead was increased when Buster Smith took an inside pass from Hirons. Earlsdon's defence opened up and he sprinted 40 yards before being tackled and releasing Ian Hurley who scored in the corner.

Two late second half penalties from Earlsdon reduced the lead, but it wasn't enough to prevent the winners from moving a point nearer Barkers Butts who drew 24-24 against Stratford.