3rd XV Archive Match Reports

21/10/2000
Old Sillhillians III 24 - 25 Pershore III

Pershore pulled off an unlikely victory against a side which had only previously been beaten once this season thanks to an onslaught in the last 10 minutes which brought them 17 unanswered points. Playing with only 14 men they had to dig deep into their reserves especially after Old Sills got off to a flying start. It took the home side only 5 minutes to register the first score with a converted try. 
Despite some early Pershore pressure it was the home side that scored again soon after with another converted try to put them 14 points up. Pershore looked to be in for a long afternoon but the pack began to lead the way as they dominated the scrums despite only having 7 men. From good ruck ball the backs finally got a chance to shine and after good handling from Mills and Jenkinson, Snell got free and rounded the full back to score his first try of the game. Soon after Pershore gained a penalty which Snell converted to bring them within 6 points. Sills upped their game in the last 5 minutes off the half and were rewarded with a try.
They added to this early in the second half to put the game seemingly out of Pershore’s reach with them trailing 24-8. As the half wore on Pershore began to control all facets of play and get on top and were soon rewarded with a try. This got their tails up and with only 10 minutes remaining began to smell a chance of victory. They drove deep into the Sills half once more and from a quick Avery lineout Snell collected the ball and outpaced the defence for his second.
From the kick off they again attacked and it was skipper Andy Brooks who drove close to the line. Snell was once again the first to react and he lunged the 1 yard over the line for the try. He calmly slotted the conversion to hand Pershore a deserved, if somewhat unlikely, victory.

28/10/2000
Pershore III 07 - 08 Kidderminster Carolians

Pershore had victory snatched from their grasp with the final play of the game against a strong visiting side.
Playing in weather conditions adverse to open running rugby, both sets of forwards slugged it out in an effort to achieve an advantage.
Early Pershore pressure saw Rich Crompton make a crucial break into open play, Rick George in good support took the pass and crossed the Kidderminster line only for the try to be disallowed. A scoreless opening period saw Pershore start the second half with a real sense of purpose an intent and they were soon rewarded when sustained pressure saw George touchdown following several phases of quality possession. A fine touchline conversion from Barry Connolly established a seven-point lead.
Kidderminster responded quickly and they soon reduced the deficit with a well struck penalty. The final ten minutes saw Pershore defend their line character and determination having to repel numerous attacks. Just when it seemed Pershore had held out, a succession of penalties were awarded to Kidderminster close to Pershore's line. In what proved to be the final play of the game the visitors breached the defensive line to score the crucial five points.
Despite this disappointment Pershore can take credit for their overall effort and commitment in difficult conditions.