Evesham 19
Droitwich 35
Midlands Three West (South)
EVESHAM were left disappointed and frustrated after suffering their first defeat of the season to leaders Droitwich Spa.
Having led 14-0, Evesham looked in control last Saturday.
But lapses of concentration proved costly as Droitwich brought the scores level at half-time and then took control in the second half to secure a fourth win in a row and push Evesham down to fifth in the table.
Skipper Nathan Chambers felt it was a game which Evesham had let slip from their graps.
“We controlled the game early on, demonstrated clinical attacking prowess and a competitive force at the breakdown, so to leave with nothing to show was a bitter pill to swallow,” he said.
“The players and coaching staff has discussed the unfortunate lapses in concentration and need for increased discipline ahead of this weekend’s cup fixture, away to Willenhall.”
Looking to exert themselves on the game early, Evesham started brightly. The Avonsiders’ first score came from a neat kick from Mike Harris, gathered expertly by right wing Scott ‘TJ’ Boulton who raced clear to dot down. Michael Diston slotted the conversion.
Shortly after, having won clean ball at the scrum, Harris and Diston linked cleverly with Sam Hopkins for him to glide through the defence. Posed with a two-on-one with the full-back, Hopkins floated a pass out to his right to find Scott Boulton again for the score.
Sitting 14-0 up with 35 minutes on the clock, Evesham looked comfortable. However, two moments of wayward concentration allowed their lead to be cut. Firstly a missed tackle allowed Droitwich to make 40 metres up field. Then, having composed themselves, the away side crossed over for their maiden score. The conversion was added.
Frustrated with themselves, Evesham conceded numerous penalties at the end of the first half which allowed Droitwich to re-enter the home side’s 22 and, after valiant defence, cross for a second score to make it 14-14.
The start of the second half mirrored that of the end of the first. Evesham were deemed to be infringing at the breakdown. This allowed Droitwich to extend their lead, dispatching a couple of penalty kicks.
With a buffer in place, Droitwich began to enjoy more of the ball. and score a further two tries, gaining the bonus point. Although Evesham crossed once more through Matthew Watson, the game petered out to a 19-35 loss.
On Saturday, Evesham head to Midlands Three West (North) side Willenhall in the cup.