ROBIN Haines' penalty from the half-way line secured a 23-20 success for Pershore Rugby Club at Old Yardleians in Midlands Three West South.

Following their opening-day success, confident Pershore had to put up with the hosts' huge pack who went for the driving maul at every opportunity.

Tenacious tackling and driving kept Old Yards out until their number eight touched down for a converted try.

Pershore settled down to play sparkling rugby and James Martin hit back with a penalty.

Intelligent play from Haines and Sid Hirons forced their opponents back and a desperate kick was caught by the ever-alert Jeremy Richardson who touched down.

Martin converted and Pershore forwards proved they were a much fitter unit.

Four quick rucks in a row, driven on by the impressive Andy Watson, Chris Bassett and Jameson Lane, meant their backs had space and holes to expose. Ian Hurley and Ben Pullen attacked with pace.

A mis-placed pass to Hirons allowed him to put Steve Holmes away in the corner though the difficult conversion was missed.

The second-half began with Old Yards in a more positive mood and they converted a second try from a driving maul.

But resilient Pershore edged ahead again when a searing Hurley break was followed by two rucks and a great Haines pass released Marcus Whyte to score.

Old Yards levelled with a contentious try but Haines sealed the victory with his penalty two minutes from time.

n Ledbury lost 21-15 to Silhillians and Hereford fell 20-0 at Stratford.