EVESHAM'S B team, captained by John Cook, has made a slow start to the new season.

After suffering defeats at Lilleybrook (5-3) and Cleobury Mortimer (4-3), they at last began to find form. And, thanks to some astute pairings and home advantage, they overcame Chipping Norton 6-0.

The next match followed swiftly against visitors Broadway, who were sent packing by the same whitewashed scoreline.

The squad then joined forces with the A team for a match against The Vale when the pairings sorted out by A team captain James Bailey helped Evesham to a 7-1 success.

The Craycombe course has been as good as can be expected throughout the Winter but, by the time the Worcestershire PGA staged their match last week, the course was in fantastic condition.

Although the weather was inclement, winner M Quigley (Kings Norton) managed two rounds of 72.

Home professional Dan Cummins (152) finished eighth.

The club was established in 1894 and stages the annual clash on Sunday when Stratford and Burton will be the opposition for a shotgun start at 2pm.

Evesham has a number of vacancies for men and women and welcomes applications for membership.

Secretary John Dale (01386 860395) is the man to contact.

Results - Men's May Medal - Division One: 1 Tom Walker 79-7-72. Division Two: 1 Glen Webb 68 (best net). Best gross: Nick Wallis 78.

Evesham 7, Vale 1: P Wheeler & J Cook bt A Smith &C Loh 1 up; J Bailey & T Walker bt P Weaver &T Hill 5 & 4; L Stephens & P Callaghan bt I Taite & A Owen 2 & 1; D Tarry & G Hughes lost to S Watts & P Harris 2 dn; M Callaghan & D Everett bt C Cleary & S Elsworthy 3 & 2; H Jones & C Phillips bt R Dalton & T Sidwell 4 & 3; N Webb & Rob Smith bt C Werett & N Whatmore 1 up; B Alcock & P Dadge bt W Holland & R Smith 1 up.