Bedworth 27pts, Evesham 11

STRUGGLING Evesham kicked off in ideal conditions to start the forward exchange as Bedworth, using a combination of mauls, rucks and loose forwards, tested the defence to its limits in the first quarter.

In return Evesham put up an impressive display of tackles with back-row Neil Robinson being particularly outstanding.

A combination of pace and aggressive clashes ended with Evesham being penalised several times for either killing the ball or being offside. As a result Bedworth edged their way into the visitors' 22.

A solid platform enabled the ball to be spread to the open backs with the winger diving into the corner for the first try. The conversion was added for a seven-point lead.

Evesham responded well, again having to soak up a massive amount of forward attacks, but coming out on top with a few refereeing decisions going their way.

A line-out on the edge of Bedworth's 22 set Evesham back when predominant jumper John Nettell left the field with a knee injury.

However, replacement Carl Cole proved his worth with some penetrative breaks. Ian Hurley put an end to the play when he received the ball just within the home 22. The captain took a quick look, set himself and then coolly slotted over a drop goal.

Maintaining the impetus, Evesham remained in and around home territory and, on a return visit into the 22, were awarded a penalty for Hurley to convert and make it 7-6 at half-time.

Courageous defence

Bedworth definitely seemed rattled, having put in a tremendous fight to only be one point ahead, and having left little damage on Evesham's courageous defence.

However, fortunes changed following the restart when Bedworth quickly made their way into Evesham's 22 and forced a five- metre scrum.

The first was won against the head by the visitors but possession was recovered when a fumbled ball was touched down in-goal by an Evesham player.

The second scrum was pushed back and ended with the scrum-half touching the ball down as it crossed Evesham's try line.

Time was now running out and Evesham were still defending their lines when winger Gary Diston picked up a loose ball and ran the length of the pitch to bring the scores back to within a point at 12-11.

A thrilling finish was envisaged and Bedworth, almost exasperated, increased their efforts to the limit.

The final quarter saw Evesham's defence slowly capitulate as Bedworth's attacks became more and more focused and three late tries made for a flattering final scoreline.

Evesham entertain Old Crypts on Saturday in a friendly fixture at Avon Street.

Former England international Brian Moore is the guest speaker at the club's annual men's dinner next month.

Tickets for the event on Friday, April 6, are priced £30 and available from Carol Horseman on 01386 423603.

Midlands Three West (South)

P W D L F A Pts

Leamington 16 13 1 2 271 137 27

Bedworth 16 13 0 3 304 131 26

Silhillians 16 12 1 3 316 172 25

Pershore 16 7 1 8 222 225 15

Keresley* 16 8 0 8 295 224 14

Old Leams 16 6 1 9 274 247 13

Nun OEs* 16 7 1 8 200 186 13

Old Covs 16 6 0 10 218 304 12 Evesham 16 3 0 13 170 269 6

B'ham Exiles 16 2 1 13 87 462 5

*Points deducted.