PERSHORE Rugby Club produced the performance of the season to thump last season's finalists Newport 44-7 in the North Midlands Cup quarter final yesterday.

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

However, all Pershore had to show was a Steve Holmes try, converted by Robin Haines, quickly followed by a penalty from Haines' boot.

The second half saw Pershore come out of their shell a little more with Hirons and Haines creating gaps and Ben Pullin punching holes in the centre. The Pershore backs were happy spinning the ball around and 18-year-old centre Alex Cook scored two tries while debutant winger Matt Spragg bagged one. In truth, they could have scored more, if passes had gone to hand.

The forwards were in dominant form and provided a telling platform for the backs. They were rewarded with tries from Adrian Suckling, set-up from a quick break from prop Buster Smith, Watson and finally a score from Widmer. His try was the culmination of a number of forward drives, taken on by Stephen Holmes and finished by the back row forward.

Pershore are next in action on Saturday when they entertain Old Coventrians in Midlands Three West (South).

Meanwhile, Stourport suffered a shock 22-10 home defeat to Ludlow in a delayed first round fixture.

The Walshes Meadow side were once again missing a number of key players for the clash and two injuries during the match hardly helped matters.

Chris Hoare looks set for a lengthy stay on the sidelines after dislocating his knee while Julian Farmer had to have 12 stitches in his leg after being trampled on. The two injuries simply exacerbated an already devastating injury list which is now threatening to spoil Stourport's season.

They have struggled so far in their debut Midlands Four West (South) campaign and were second best to lower-ranked league opposition yesterday.

Stourport, however, found themselves with the perfect platform when, after three minutes, they were 5-0 up after a Les Pimm try. The lead, though, did not last long and they were 13-5 down at half time. A second half score from Andy Bourne brought hope of a recovery but a rare off-day for Richard Dorrell with the boot meant Stourport bowed out of the competition at the first round stage.

Coach Ron Hobbs was philosophical about the defeat.

"You cannot knock the lads," he said. "They have given 100 per cent but, on the day, they were beaten by a better side. You cannot afford to have five or six players missing and not expect to be taken apart."

Skipper Andy Hubbold added: "We've had the disappointment of the cup but what is vital now is that we begin to get the league points on the board."