PERSHORE Rugby Club had to endure a sixth loss by only one score as they lost 15-9 at Old Silhillians but it was a game that was there to be won.

Pershore have been winning plenty of possession in recent weeks, but have failed to turn it into points.

With the game played in persistant snow and drizzle, handling became harder as the game progressed, but Pershore started the sharper.

From a scrum on the half-way line the ball was passed to James Martin who created a terrific outside break, but with a two-man overlap he decided to go himself and got tackled. The move broke down and Sils cleared their line.

Soon afterwards smart interplay between Andy Jenkinson and Adrian Hanson released Martin Hope, with support on his inside and outside and a score possible.

However, he was hauled down and the ball was knocked on and another scoring chance was spurned.

Pershore's pressure was rewarded when Martin kicked a penalty, but Sils stormed back and put Pershore under severe pressure.

The visitors' defence was excellent but, out of nowhere, the Sils hooker drove through the middle of a ruck and sprinted to the try-line. The conversion failed.

The forwards of both sides then fought out a game of attrition until half time.

Sils started the second half in command, with their fly half kicking them into strong positions and forcing Pershore onto the back foot.

The hosts were duly rewarded when they made inroads into Pershore's defence to score a try and conversion.

Again Pershore came back and two Martin penalties reduced Sils' lead to three points.

Pershore threw everything at the home side but they held firm and with time running out Sills sealed the game when their fly-half kicked a monstrous penalty from the half-way line, in difficult kicking conditions.

Pershore must get back to winning ways and soon.