THE fine form that Pershore finished 2007 in was carried in to the New Year when they came away from Widden Old Boys with a 17-15 victory in Western Counties North.

The hosts took the lead early early on when they spread the ball out to their centre and he powered over from five metres. Widden added the conversion.

Once the Piddle Park men had cleared some festive cobwebs the forwards started to dominate the set piece.

After 20 minutes Pershore were awarded a penalty and centre Scott Morris converted to reduce the deficit.

The visitors took the lead soon after when number eight Kris Bassett made a good break before offloading to James Martin. He chipped the ball over the Widden defence for veteran full-back Matt Harwood to score. Morris added the conversion.

Bassett made another break 10 minutes later as Pershore extended their lead.

This time the number eight found flanker Alex Dolphin in support, and he passed to Alex Peel, who went over for an easy score.

Morris made it 17-7 with the conversion.

Widden drew first blood in the second-half with a penalty before the Gloucester side grabbed a late try, but it was not enough to deny Pershore victory.

Pershore are in North Midlands Shield action this weekend when they travel to Veseyans in the second round of the competition.