Old Yardlians 20, Pershore 23 pts

FOLLOWING an opening day success over Ledbury, Pershore went last Saturday's game full of confidence.

Yardlians appeared to have only one game plan, and that was a driving maul, mainly from line-outs. Their pack was huge and, from a five-metre line-out, they caught and drove towards Pershore's line. Ten-acious tackling and driving kept them out but No 8 Adams finally touched down and Balshaw converted.

Pershore settled down and started to play some sparkling rugby as they stretched the home side and it wasn't long before the hosts infringed and James Martin kicked a penalty.

Pershore attacked from the kick-off and intelligent play from Robin Haines and Sid Hirons forced the opposition back into the 22.

A desperate kick was caught on the full by the ever alert Jeremy Richardson, who touched down for Martin to convert for a 10-7 lead.

Four quick rucks in succession, driven on by the impressive Andy Watson, Chris Bas- sett and Jameson Lane, meant that Pershore's backs had space and holes to expose.

Ian Hurley and Ben Pullen attacked with pace, a miss pass to Hirons and a simple two on one allowed Steve Holmes to score in the corner.

The second half began with Yardlians playing in a more positive mood.

Keeping the ball in their forwards and remorselessly driving forward. It wasn't very inventive, but highly effective and, from a line-out, a predictable driving maul resulted in a try that was duly converted.

Pershore are made of strong stuff and a searing break by Hurley, two quick rucks, and a delightful pass from Haines released Marcus Whyte who outpaced the covering defence.

Yards hit back again and scored a contentious try to draw level but, with two minutes left, Haines kicked a penalty from the halfway line to seal a thrilling triumph.