Hope and Hirons on the mark to boost Pershore

PERSHORE continued their impressive start to the season with another emphatic win.

Although the scoreline suggests otherwise, Pershore controlled the game from start to finish.

The first half, against the strong wind, was particularly good. Excellent first phase ball was backed up at times by five and six phases of play forcing Old Leams on to the back foot.

From such pressure, Martin Hope hit the ball at pace in midfield slicing through two defenders to touchdown.

Straight from the kick-off, more pressure forced Old Leams to concede a penalty duly kicked by Robin Haines.

From a line-out and drive, first Jem Richardson and then Andy Watson were stopped short of the line, but the ever alert Sid Hirons sped down the blindside to sore in the corner.

The second half saw Old Leams come back strongly but a resolute Pershore defence held firm and the last 20 minutes was all Pershore possession, but Old Leams defence was good.

The last few week's results will surely see Pershore's rivals looking over their shoulders.

The club's second string lost 24-17 in the reverse fixture when, as has been the trend this season, the better side lost!

Pershore started slowly and took a while to identify the opposition weaknesses and as a result leaked three first half tries because of poor tackling and loose scrummaging.

Mark Sanders landed a well-struck penalty for the home side's solitary points but an early second half score left pershore facing a 24-3 deficit.

This was the spark Pershore needed and Alex Cook then sprinted in unopposed before repeating the feat minutes later after a burst from Lewis Dolphin.

Sanders again added the extra points to leave just seven points between the sides.

A frantic final few minutes failed to bring deserved home reward and Pershore were left reflecting on missed chances.