PERSHORE are left needing a minor miracle to avoid relegation from Western Counties North after a 15-0 home defeat by Stroud.

The Pershore pack, so dominant this season, gamed up against a big, experienced set of forwards, resulting in the home side only gaining parity at the set-piece.

This did not prevent them from dominating the first-half but they trailed 5-0 at half-time.

Pershore had opportunities to close the gap late in the half but two penalty attempts by fly-half Will Woodhouse were unsuccessful.

Much of the second-half was played in the middle of the park.

The difference was that on the few occasions Stroud visited the Pershore 22 they came away with points.

Martin Hope carried the ball well and full-back Stefan Ellis always looked dangerous.

Pershore face a trip to the Forest of Dean next weekend to face title-chasers Berry Hill in a must-win game for both teams.