THERE was final day heartache for Evesham as a 13-0 defeat at Southam ended their dreams of winning both the Midlands Three West (South) title and promotion.
The Vale side went into the game top of the table and, as it turned out, even a losing bonus point would have proved enough to keep them above Southam, but the Warwickshire side’s margin of victory meant they finished runners-up ahead of third placed Evesham on points difference.
Evesham dominated the final quarter as their forwards piled on the pressure, but Southam held firm.
Rugby Lions took advantage of Evesham’s defeat to finish champions with 90 points – four above both Southam and Evesham – thanks to a 46-5 home win over Ledbury.
Evesham’s players were visibly gutted at full time but, having won 17 of 22 league games at this level having only won promotion last season, the young side can feel confident of being able to mount another promotion challenge next season.