Evesham 26pts, Pershore 43

A FRIENDLY match is a rarity these days but Saturday's was still a local derby and Vale pride was at stake.

Pershore dominated throu-ghout and the scoreline slightly flatters their lower ranked hosts as two of their tries came from interceptions.

Pershore's first try came straight from the kick-off. Six phases of play, a blindside break from a ruck and Carl Evans stormed over. James Martin converted.

Straight from the restart, the visitors attacked again with Martin Hope and Jem Rich-ardson punching holes in a fragile Evesham defence and, when a gap appeared, Martin touched down and then added the extra points.

As Pershore threw caution to the wind a dropped pass was hacked on and Coetzee touched down for Evesham, Van Hoydink converted.

The Piddle Park man, though, settled down again and Carl Evans scored his second try after more patient play.

Pershore were now winning good possession in the line-out where Levin Widmer and Adrian Suckling reigned supreme.

From this possession they attacked Evesham from all parts of the pitch and they were rewarded just before half-time when the impressive Martin Hope burst through two tackles to score. Martin again converted.

The second half saw Pershore running through their moves, although at times it wasn't the right time or place to do so.

To Evesham's credit their heads didn't drop and they competed right until the final whistle.

It was Pershore who completed the scoring with tries from debutant Ryan Watkins who finished off a marvellous move in the backs, and a solo effort from Paul Saunders. Martin converted both.

It was only fitting that Hope should score his second and last try for to cap fine team effort.