Pershore 46, Droitwich 10.

PERSHORE produced an efficient, workmanlike performance in despatching local rivals Droitwich in Midlands Two West (South).

The platform for this comprehensive victory was forward domination, but the Pershore backs played with far more confidence than in previous weeks and were more incisive with the ball.

The hosts’ pack began with a series of forward drives, setting the platform to spread the ball wide.

After enterprising play from the hosts, the ball was switched to the blindside and Marcus Whyte was on hand to smash his way over the line. The subsequent conversion was missed.

Dolphin soon got on the scoresheet with a penalty success.

In good conditions for running rugby, Droitwich pressed forward, but turnover ball led to Pershore going the full length of the pitch.

Three quick rucks later and Matt Harwood touched down in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed. Droitwich’s first visit to the Pershore 22, was rewarded with a penalty success.

A scrum on the half-way line allowed Martin Hope the chance of attacking.

The ball was picked up and a driven forward through several phases of dynamic play, and then, with Droitwich on the back foot, Matt Syphus cut a beautiful angle to carve his way through a tight defence. Dolphin convered to make it 20-3 at half-time.

Pershore’s Martin Hope continued his fine form with crossing the whitewash after his forwards gave him space to exploit. Dolphin converted.

Droitwich, although under the cosh, showed character to come back and score a fine try, which was also converted.

Ellis scored two more tries, while Harwood also crossed. All three were converted by Dolphin.