Pershore 24 pts, Dunlop 10

A SEVENTH win in eight league outings lifted Pershore to the top of Midlands Four West South after Saturday's comfortable home success.

The Piddle Park surface had suffered in the wake of the heavy rain but both sides attempted to play good quick rugby in the poor conditions.

Rob Haines gave Pershore an early penalty boost from in front of the posts and Ben Pullin swept in for a try after splendid work by the forwards.

Haines added the extra points for a 10-0 lead that was trimmed to seven points at the interval when Dunlop landed a penalty.

Haines was again at the forefront of Pershore's attacking ideas. His fine break was carried on by Phil Green before Lee Norster added the final touches to what proved a crucial score.

Another successful two points from Haines and victory was in sight at 17-3.

Norster was at it again later in the half, setting up Phil Shepherd for the home side's third score and two more points for Haines set the seal on a fine show.

Dunlop snatched a late consolation but nothing could spoil a fine Pershore performance, worthy of a summit spot.

Closest rivals Droitwich are also on 14 points after defeating Redditch 16-6 but their points accumulated is outweighed by the Piddle Park top dogs.

Local rivals Evesham, meanwhile, are continuing to struggle in the lower reaches of the division above Pershore.

They crashed to their sixth defeat in seven league starts when losing 22-10 at second-placed Old Coventrians last Saturday.

Evesham won't find life any easier this weekend when Stratford are the visitors to the Sports Club. The Pearcecroft side have won all seven league matches and remained two points clear the summit after defeating Bedworth 15-3.

If results continue in the same vein for Evesham and Pershore then they could be swapping league status next term.