Evesham II 19pts, Kidderminster II 13

EVESHAM'S pack eventually gained the upper hand in Saturday's Merit Table clash that was staged in dreadful conditions.

The hosts started in their usual slow fashion and found themselves seven points down after only five minutes due to some sloppy play and a fortuitous bounce of the ball.

As the game wore on Evesham began to gain the upper hand and some strong running by the pack and good tactical kicking by Mick O'Loughlin gave Eve-sham a line-out on the opposition 22.

A fine catch by Adam Scott gave the backs good ball and a well-rehearsed move enabled Tim Carsberg to crash through the defence to score under the posts. O'Loughlin converted.

Evesham were in control for the remai-nder of the half and were rewarded with a further try.

A cheeky steal of the ball from a five-metre scrum saw Julian Walker link up with O'Loughlin for a score in the corner.

Evesham started well in the second half and soon scored again from a line-out five yards out as good work by Henry Webb enabled scrum-half Tom Appleby to score, O'Loughlin secured a fine conversion from out wide.

Kidderminster weren't finished and began to get back in the game and some good play by the visitors and poor home discipline rewarded them with two penalties.

This led to a frantic last ten minutes but Evesham managed to hold on and emerged worthy winners thanks in the main to a fine display from the forwards.