EVESHAM Rugby Club lost 55-5 at home to Midlands Two West (South) leaders Stratford.

A big challenge was made harder by Evesham’s growing injury list.

But the hosts started brightly and a try for Jack Jeffery kept them in the game at 7-5 down after 30 minutes.

However, Evesham were unable to sustain this level of play and Stratford eased to victory with a succession of well-taken tries.

Earlsdon picked up a losing bonus point against Leamington to move above Evesham who dropped to 10th in the table.

Evesham will be in North Midlands Shield quarter-final action at Ross-on-Wye on Saturday (2.15pm) before returning to the league with a trip to Leamington on February 15.

Bredon Star lost 41-5 at leaders Brockworth in Wadworth Gloucestershire Two North and have no league game this weekend.