EVESHAM Rugby Club’s downward spiral in Midlands Two West (South) continued with a 29-27 home defeat to Pinley.

The result leaves Evesham in 10th position having been leapfrogged by their victors.

The outcome was especially disappointing as Evesham held the lead for large parts of the game although Pinley had the lion’s share of possession courtesy of their larger pack.

Will Bugg opened the scoring for the home side before Mike Diston made the conversion and slotted two penalties before the break.

The visitors replied with a converted try and a penalty to trail 13-10 at half-time.

The second half was a fractious affair as both sides competed for the victory.

Evesham scored through James Thomas and Wilf Watson with Diston converting both but Pinley held their nerve with second-half tries to take a bonus-point victory.

Evesham took away a losing bonus point as scant consolation from a missed opportunity.

They travel to Solihull-based outfit Silhillians, who are sixth, on Saturday (2.15pm).

Pershore’s Midlands Four West (South) visit to Birmingham Civil Service was postponed.

They host Bromyard on Saturday.

Bredon Star went into the festive break with a 19-12 defeat at Painswick in Wadworth Gloucestershire Two North.