Evesham 6pts, Pershore 5

THIS fixture has, and will always be, the top priority of the season for both clubs.

This season there were league points at stake as well as bucket loads of pride.

Pershore were victors of the opening round, managing to hold on to an 11-3 win in a close nail-biting episode. A second close-fought battle kept the spectators entranced at Avon Street on Saturday, with play switching from end to end.

It was the visitors who made the first impression when they took the game straight into Evesham's 22. The immediate threat spurred the home side into a defensive frenzy forcing first a line-out followed by attacks on both flanks.

A score seemed inevitable and Pershore opened their account when open side flanker Andy Watson barged his way in for the only try of the match.

Evesham resorted to tactical kicking to gain territory which, combined with a dominant line-out, helped by an impressive second row performance by Dave Scott, resulted in the majority of possession.

Attacking moves came mostly through the backs but Evesham were thwarted by courageous defending. Pressure eventually got the better of the visitors who, sensing danger, killed the ball at the base of a ruck to give centre Rick Taylor his first points with a penalty kick.

The second half started in much the same vein with both defences working tirelessly, in particular Evesham's back row of Neil Robinson, Ben Whatmore and Lloyd Jiles. Attacks were more and more frantic as both sides sensed time running down and only two points the difference.

Possession had now swung in Pershore's favour probably as a result of an effective wheeling scrummage. Superb defending by Evesham, notably scrum half Chris Evis and the back row resulted in a turnover in possession and opportunity to clear home lines.

The turning point came back in Pershore's half where indiscipline was punished again following an infringement at a ruck. This time Taylor managed a fine conversion of a much more difficult opportunity just inside the halfway line to put Evesham one point ahead.

The hosts looked doomed as a last minute penalty was awarded to Pershore in a very kickable position but the kick wobbled left and missed.

Evesham play their last league fixture away at Old Coventrians on Saturday.