Evesham 19pts, Upton 12

EVESHAM continued their rich vein of form last Saturday when they recorded a fine win in the North Midlands Vase.

As expected Upton, top of Evesham's league, threw everything at their hosts in the first few minutes but the defence held strong and it was Evesham who opened the scoring when full back Adam Huddlestone sprinted through to touch down after a clever kick from Gary Diston.

Mike O'Loughlin slotted the conversion for a seven-point lead and, with both sets of forwards aiming for superiority, the referee was required to step in and cool them down on occasions.

Evesham's backs weren't allowed the time and space that they have been used to recently and it was going to take something special to score again.

And, so it proved after a half break up the middle the ball passed through several pairs of hands, an overlap was created out wide.

O'Loughlin was half held by the last defender but he was able to kick the ball crossfield where winger Matt Jaques collected and scored a great team try.

Evesham then lost influential hooker and captain Luke Matthews with a hand injury but, undeterred, they pressed on and soon found themselves close to the Upton line again, where they were awarded a penalty.

Fly-half Mo Parkinson read the situation well as he received the ball from a quick tap at full tilt and crashed over the line for a converted try and Evesham 19 points to the good.

Upton's team talk certainly had the desired affect as they came out with all guns blazing and were finally rewarded with a converted try.

Evesham had their fair share of chances and should have finished the game off after camping on the visiting try line for several minutes, but the defence held firm. A player from both sides received yellow cards after a bout of fisticuffs and Upton tried to make the extra man in the forwards count.

The homes side's cause wasn't helped when a nasty clash of heads resulted in the loss of both Jim Moulton and Jaques and the reshuffle changes upset Evesham's balance in the pack but spirits remained high.

The Severnsiders had the final say with a second try but their comeback hopes were thwarted by the final whistle.

The match ball was sponsored by Buzz Electrical Ltd.

The two sides lock horns again on Saturday in a top of the table league clash at Avon Street.