EVESHAM stand on the brink of clinching promotion from Midlands Four West (South) after securing a 55-7 victory over visitors Five Ways Old Edwardians on Saturday.
The result, coupled with Claverdon’s 21-5 defeat at home to champions Rugby Lions, means the Vale side need just one point from their remaining two fixtures to be certain of finishing runners-up.
Their first chance to put the icing on the promotion cake arrives with Saturday’s visit to fourth placed Kings Norton, who could yet pip Claverdon to third place.
With Evesham five points above Claverdon with a game in hand and boasting a points difference 130 superior, only a collapse of gargantuan proportions can now deny Evesham a deserved promotion.
As hoped, the home side started strongly and managed to cross for an opening score within five minutes as the back three linked up smartly upon receiving a clearance kick and good link-up play from Ben Harrison allowed Nathan Chambers to cross.
Despite this early score, the Birmingham-based side came straight back firing and following ill-discipline and over-eagerness in defence the Five Ways fly half capitalised with a quick tap penalty to cross for a converted try.
This was the end of the struggling visiting side’s effect on the game though, as the Evesham set piece and running rugby starting to pose substantial pressure.
The home side scored further tries through Scott Fairfax (2), Jake Shotton, Nathan Chambers (2 more), Mike Harris and Dale Attwood, along with six conversions and one penalty by Harris.
Second row Rob Wilks on the charge for Evesham on Saturday. Picture by Roland Bailey. (s)
Fly half Mike Harris heads for the try line for the hosts. Picture by Roland Bailey. (s)