THERE was plenty for Evesham to be optimistic about despite losing 39-5 to Midlands Two West (South) leaders Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Avonsiders were soundly beaten come full-time, but their first half performance was extremely promising against a side which has won all but one of its 16 league games this season.
The home side really took their game to the south Warwickshire outfit as they dominated territory in the opening period.
Evesham scored the first try through Ash Icke but the visitors weathered the storm and managed to sneak into a 10-5 interval lead before unleashing their own assault in the second half to take maximum points.
Despite the loss, the Evesham coaching staff are in buoyant mood as the quality of the first half performance really gives them something to build on for the rest of the season.
Evesham, who remain eighth in the table, are five points above the bottom two with six matches remaining, starting with their visit to third-placed Kidderminster on March 2.
