Pershore 35pts, Old Leamingtonians 17

A HOME team that was much changed due to holiday commitments produced a great performance last Saturday.

In the searing heat, they played the game up tempo, spreading the ball wide whenever possible and keeping the ball away from the large visiting pack.

The hosts started the scoring almost from the kick-off as Robin Haines landed two penalties.

A line-out on the Leamington 22 then saw Ian Hurley crash through the centre. The ball was quickly recycled and a deft pass from Ben Pullen put James Martin through to touch down. Haines converted for a 13-0 lead.

This score spurred Pershore on to totally dominate the first period and they scored two more tries.

The first was finished off by Jem Richardson after some slick passing down the blindside and, just on half-time, more great approach work by the forwards was rewarded with Hurley crashing over and Haines again adding the extras.

A spirited visiting side made the second half a more even affair and slack defending allowed Stuart Smith to cross in at the corner.

This concession only seemed to spur the hosts who produced 20 minutes of quality play.

Turnover ball in midfield was quickly sped through seven or eight hands and a neat in and out with the full back and Haines touched down in the corner.

A quick line-out was taken on the opposition 22 and spread wide at pace where Matt Har-wood passed inside to the supporting Haines who fed his back row to set up two quick rucks and an eager Martin touched down in the corner.

With the tortuous heat affecting the players and causing numerous substitutions, Persh-ore lost a little cohesion and they conceded a couple of late scores.

Pershore will be hoping to double their league points tally at Ledbury on Saturday.

Pershore III 22pts, Bromsgrove IV 29

THIS was no gentle preparation for the new season as both teams played out a highly competitive encounter.

Bromsgrove started the more settled and organised side and were duly rewarded with four first half tries courtesy of good running from their backs and driving mauls from their large set of forwards.

Just before half-time, patient work from the Pershore forwards gave centre Carl Williams the chance to touch down to reduce the arrears.

The second half was a mirror image of the first with Pershore the dominant force and they were rewarded with three tries.

The first was a half the length of the field effort from Andy Brown, Andy Carey crashed over from five metres before a dazzling sidestep and sprint from Andy Stewart helped clawed back the score to 22-22.

On the stroke of full time, though, Pershore lacked discipline and, with their backs turned, Bromsgrove's fly-half took a quick penalty and ran in unchallenged to seal victory.