Newbold on Avon 50 - Pershore 19
Jan
This was a game which showed the difference between the top and bottom
of the league. Both teams have their own injury problems but second
placed Newbold were confident and clinical where Pershore, although
worked tirelessly, panicked when they were in the red zone and seemed to
make the wrong decision at key points scoring opportunities. It was
always going to be tough for the visitors who were 17-0 down within the
first 10 minutes. They then managed to impose themselves on the game.
Martin Hope & Steve Holmes particularly carried the ball well and
brothers Josh & Like Hardiman ensured that Pershore won their fair share
of lineout ball. It was after one of Hopes trademark runs penetrating
the defence that winger Matt Harwood capitalised on to score in the
corner. Cyphus missed the conversion. Pershore came close to adding a
second just before half time after centre Adrian Hanson took a quick
penalty near his own line. Pershore attacked through Richard Baker &
Josh Hardiman and whilst deep in the visitors half the ball found its
way to Hope who came up just short.
The second half started exactly as the first with Newbold scoring 3
quick unanswered tries. At 38-5 the game was won but Pershore carried on
and the industrious Ben Yeates in the second row continued to work hard
and help his fellow forwards continue to have their fair share of both
territory and possession. Pershore were rewarded through Hope, a
trademark try from the base of the scrum. Replacement fly-half Lewis
Dolphin converted. With 10 minutes remaining Newbold extended there lead
with two quick tries but in the closing minutes Ben Humphries crashed
over with a try again converted by Dolphin. Although in the dying
seconds Pershore chased the bonus point try they came up just short and
the game finished 50-19.
Next week Pershore will be back at Piddle Park where they entertain
Berkswell & Balsall, 2.15pm kick off.
