Old Yardleians 5 Evesham 13
Midlands Two West (South)
EVESHAM took a big stride away from immediate danger as they saw off a relegation-battling side for the second weekend in succession.
Fresh from a vital victory against Nuneaton Old Edwardians, the Vale side were made to sweat by the Shirley outfit who have now lost all 13 league games this season, but Nathan Chambers’ men can now breathe a little easier after moving nine points clear of the bottom two with a game in hand.
Receiving the kick-off, Evesham started very quickly. Moving the ball at pace and with great endeavour, the young Avonside outfit ran the ball from their own half.
However, despite looking very threatening, Evesham were unable to cross for an opening score, although credit goes to Old Yards whose defence held firm in the face of huge pressure.
As the first quarter passed, Evesham were still unable to score and this led to frustration and ill-discipline setting in.
With Evesham conceding a number of penalties, Old Yardleians were rewarded for their patience and it was the home side who notched the first score.
Setting up their driving game deep in the Evesham half, the hosts’ pack managed to bundle over for a try which gave them a 5-0 half time lead.
The Evesham message at half time was to relax, keep their composure and have improved patience.
Adopting a more structured approach in the second half, Evesham controlled proceedings. Following good pressure and neat handling, prop Sam Huckvale fed wing Charlie Jeffery for Evesham’s first try to which Mike Diston added the extras with a tricky conversion.
However, although Evesham maintained consistent pressure for the rest of the half, they were limited to two penalties from the boot of Diston.
Captain Chambers said: “Having wanted to take the maximum five points from the game, the result perhaps did not represent the exciting nature of the game.
“Nonetheless, we were pleased to get a second successive win.”
Evesham host third placed Kenilworth in their game in hand on Saturday (2.15pm).