Pershore 44 pts, Newport 7

ALTHOUGH Pershore have had a good season so far, Sunday's performance in the North Midlands Cup was the match when everything came together as they cruised into the last four.

The first half was total Pershore domination from possession and territory based on a strong scrummage, great line-out ball and the marvellous back row of Levin Widmer, skipper Andy Watson and man of the match Jem Richardson.

Even with this control at half-time, all Pershore had to show was a Stephen Holmes try, converted by Robin Haines, quickly followed by a penalty also kicked by Haines.

The second half saw Pershore come out of their shell a little more and, with Hirons and Haines creating holes at half back and Ben Pullin punching holes in the centre, the Pershore backs spun the ball around.

They were rewarded with 18-year-old centre Alex Cook scoring two tries. Debutant winger Matt Spragg also crossed but could have scored twice more if passes had gone to hand.

In truth the forwards deserved much of the praise, and collectively they were rewarded with tries from Adrian Suckling, set up from an electrifying break from prop Buster Smith, a try from Watson and finally a Widmer score.

In this form, Pershore will take some beating in the league and they are looking forward to Saturday's home clash with Old Coventrians, ko 2.30pm.