WHILE Evesham's senior side slumped to a first league defeat of the season, the second team recorded a 24-18 win over Kidderminster in the Merit League.

Berkswell and Balsall ended the Avon Street side's unbeaten start with a 25-3 Midlands Four West (South) victory that leaves the losers down in third place in what now promises to be a highly combative section to get out of!

The action was fast and furious throughout for the second teamers with the visitors taking the lead with an early try.

However, Evesham hit back with a triple blast to lead 19-5 at half-time as winger Chris Wolf-aardt used his searing pace to maximum effect to rattle up a hat-trick.

Kidderminster weren't finished, though, and, as Evesham squandered possession, they took advantage to score twice and move to within four points of the home side's interval tally.

However, there was relief for the hosts when flanker Joe Worth charged over to make it 24-15 and a late penalty for the visitors came too late to stop a home success.

The seconds welcome Solihull on Saturday for a 3pm, kick-off. Prior to the game a South African XV will take on an Avon Street fourth XV as a curtain-raiser to England's World Cup clash with the Springboks in Australia. Kick-off is at 11am.