Evesham 15pts, Keresley 6

FROM experience of recent encounters, Keresley would have been expecting a hard match coupled with a win. They definitely weren't expecting to lose last Saturday's NPI Cup tie to a better side!

Choosing to play with the wind at their backs, the visitors gave immediate possession to Eve-sham who, through a succession of rucks and touch kicks, worked their way back into the Keresley 22.

Evesham pounded the Keresley defence with short pop passes to loose forwards, but unfortunately were penalised for handling on the floor.

This pressure visibly unnerved the visitors and gave Evesham a foothold in the early stages of the game. As a result Keresley noticeably increased their efforts and the game anchored itself around halfway with both sides trying to break the deadlock.

Evesham had the lighter pack and consequently were outplayed in the scrummaging, but competed well in the line-out. Perhaps the most impressive play of the first half was the Evesham defence.

Without fault home tackling kept Keresley from using the advantage of the strong wind. The only score of the half was a penalty given for an apparent interference with play.

Evesham grew in confidence in the second half just like the previous week and, with the wind behind them, fly-half Doug Payne pinned Keresley back in their half with some exceptional tactical kicking.

Evesham forwards turned the screw and bent their opponents out of shape. A continued surge of pressure on the right flank of the visitors five-metre line was cleverly switched to move the ball quickly out to the open backs.

Scrum-half Gary Diston with great vision fed the ball from the base of a ruck to enable full back Chris Oreschnick a well- timed run to beat the cover.

Maintaining their winning strategy, Evesham played rugby in the visitors' half for the remainder of the match and took opportunities when presented.

Outside centre Rick Taylor was next to stretch the Keresley defence selling a dummy and gliding in between the posts for an own converted try.

The final quarter was dominated by the Evesham forwards, with a truly awesome performance by the front row forwards of, tighthead prop Andrew Sheward, hooker Heuwy, and loosehead prop Chris Maritza.

A last minute penalty awarded to Evesham saw Taylor increase his tally and cement a 15-6 win.

Evesham start their league campaign on Saturday at home to Bedworth, a game sponsored by D Burnes.

The club's mini and junior season starts on Sunday, Sept-ember 30 from 10.30 am at Avon Street.

Contact Mandie Capaldi on 01386 882117 or Steve Butcher on 01386 881505 for more details.