EVESHAM Rugby Club were forced to play away from home for a third consecutive week with their Avon-side pitches still waterlogged.

It ended in the same result in Midlands Two West (South) with a defeat to top-three opposition.

This time it was a 24-5 loss to local rivals Stratford who climbed to second in the table while Evesham remain eighth.

Both defences were in good form with few outright scoring chances throughout the game but the difference was Stratford took theirs.

They scored two converted tries and a penalty to lead 17-0 at the break.

The visitors tightened the defence even further in the second half and after conceding one more score began to move forward more effectively.

But it took until the final play of the game to score with Jack Jeffery touching down following a break by Andy Robinson.

Evesham will be on the road again on Saturday at Old Laurentians in Rugby (2.15pm).

Pershore stormed to a 63-0 win at struggling Kings Norton in Midlands Four West (South) and go on to host Tenbury on Saturday.

Bredon Star host Norton in Gloucestershire Two North on Saturday.