Nuneaton OEs 27pts, Pershore 15

THIS wasn't the best of starts to Pershore's league campaign but they can take heart from their never say die attitude.

Most of the first half was dominated by Nuneaton as the visitors struggled to win quality first phase ball and in turn were unable to play to any pattern.

In fact, their potential in the backs was squandered through lack of any quality ball. For all Nuneaton's possession, though, they were only 5-3 ahead at half-time.

Bizarrely, Pershore lost skipper Andy Watson to the sin-bin and Nuneaton were quick to exploit gaps in the blind side of the scrum and scored two quick tries.

But Pershore are not a team that admits defeat. Alex Cook scored a wonderful solo try and then Martin Hope crashed over to pull his side back to one score behind.

On the stroke of full-time, Nuneaton scored a try from a driven line-out to secure the points.

Pershore welcome Keresley to Piddle Park on Saturday in the NPI Cup.