EVESHAM captain Nathan Chambers saluted his side’s “magnificent” second half performance after they secured a 27-20 Midlands Three West (South) victory at Old Coventrians on Saturday.
The visitors found themselves 10-6 down at the break after falling foul of some indiscipline, but they responded admirably in the second half to secure a hard fought win which lifted them into sixth place.
The weather conditions were fair, which allowed for an entertaining game to be played, and this seemed to suit Evesham who were keen to exploit the wide areas of the pitch against a home side who like to keep things tight.
Starting encouragingly, Sam Hopkins slotted over six points from the kicking tee following early pressure from the visitors.
However, although the travelling side looked dangerous, they were unable to impact the scoreboard any further in the fist half.
Following some ill-discipline, Old Covs were allowed to enter deep into Evesham territory and, following numerous driving plays, the home side crossed for two tries to give themselves a four-point advantage at the break.
However, Evesham were in no mood to roll over and increased their intensity.
Firstly Scott Boulton crossed after neat link-up play from fly half Michael Harris and his back row cordon.
Then, James Thomas raced through courtesy of a handsome assist from Michael Diston before Thomas turned provider turned for Diston to cross for an elegant score of his own to put the visitors 27-10 up.
Late in the game a determined Old Coventrians hit back with a converted try and penalty to secure a losing bonus point.
Evesham skipper Chambers said: “We were magnificent in the second half and really played with a great intensity.”
On Saturday (2.15pm) the Avonsiders host Old Leamingtonians in another important fixture as they bid to close the ten-point gap on second placed Shipston.