Old Yardlians 20pts, Pershore 20

PERSHORE got off to a flying start in their second game of the season.

Although they conceded a first minute try from a driven line-out five metres out, they quickly responded and deservedly took the lead from a Martin Hope try after wonderful approach work from the back row and backs Simon Haines converted.

Pershore dominated the first half completely and just before half time Stephen Holmes scored a terrific solo try from the half way line.

The second half saw Yardlians attacking at every opportunity but a resolute Pershore defence held firm Pershore scrummaged very well, and used many line-out variations to deny Yardlians possession, to which they increasingly became frustrated.

Inexplicably, for the first time since the first minute, Yardlians scored again from a driven line-out on the Pershore line. Once again, though, Pershore drove on and scored a try from Adrian Suckling and a penalty.

On the final whistle a fortunate bounce gifted a try for the Yardlians scrum half to draw the game.