Pershore climbed to 3rd in the league with a hard fought victory at Southam on Saturday afternoon. The contrast in form leading in to the game was evident from the first minute. A chip ahead by captain Andy Jenkinson was picked up close to the line by fly half Matt Harwood who immediately popped the ball to scrum half Adrian Hanson to score. Hanson missed the conversion. However the spirited Southam pack disrupted the Pershore lineout and also carried the ball well, getting the best out of the Pershore defence. A number of positional changes for the visitors meant that they lacked a little fluidity whilst in possession and they seemed to squander a number of chances to extend their lead. With a few minutes left before half time Southam were rewarded for their endeavours when they capitalised on a spilt ball in the Pershore midfield and their winger ran in unopposed to score an unconverted try to draw level at half time.
Stern words from coach Tommy Hayes at half time seemed to do the trick as the Pershore pack came out all guns blazing, making significant inroads into the Southam defensive line from the restart. After flanker Kris Bassett again broke through the gain line Pershore’s backs attacked the blindside. The ball found its way to debutant winger James Brack who had been lively all afternoon. As he cut inside the full back he was felled by a dangerous high tackle and unfortunately was unable to continue. Pershore kept the pressure on and were awarded a scrum 5 metres from the Southam line. The front row of Peel, Humphries and Evans marched the pack over fro number 8 Martin Hope to score an easy try duly converted by Hanson. Soon after Hanson scored his second which he again converted. The bonus point was sealed when winger Stefan Ellis mad a break from his own half and had too much pace for the Southam defence. Pershore ran out worthy winners 24-5.