Ledbury II, 0

Evesham II 7pts

THIS was anything but a classic contest but, at this stage of the season, it's the results that count.

After the disappointment of two consecutive losses on the road in the Merit Table to second-placed Hereford and an unusually strong Luct-onians side, Evesham's second string needed to get back to winning ways in their bid to retain the league crown.

Playing on a wet and muddy pitch, Evesham should have made more of the slope in the first half but it was the home side that looked the more likely to score, pinning Evesham back with driving runs and good tactical kicking.

It wasn't until late in the first half that the Avonsiders began to play with any conviction.

Great hands and inter-passing through the backs resulted in Tim Carsberg scoring out wide. Mike O'Loughlin slotted over a tricky kick to add the extras.

Turning around to play up the slope, the lead didn't look to be enough of a cushion. Once again, though, the Evesham pack raised their game to slog out a hard-fought result that leaves them at the top of the table.

Evesham are in league action again on Saturday against visitors Malvern III, kick off 2.30pm.