WHAT the Midlands Four West (South) match between Pershore and Worcester Wanderers lacked in fluidity was certainly made up for by tension in the clash between two of the division’s leading teams.

Wanderers travelled to Pershore’s Piddle Park ground and both teams started strongly on a heavy pitch.

The Sixways side put the Pershore team under pressure but failed to capitalise against a committed defence.

The hosts then came into the game and enjoyed a spell of territorial advantage, but also failed to take their chances.

Pershore had three opportunities to open the scoring, but fly-half Will Woodhouse missed each of the penalty attempts and the deadlock remained unbroken.

Wanderers put together several phases of play and the ball ended up with Richard Ralph, who took full advantage of the two-on-one to put Chris Jenkinson away to score just to the left of the posts. Dan Sparrey converted.

The game was a dour affair, due largely to the conditions and fierce defence from both sides.

The Pershore scrum was putting Wanderers under considerable pressure, but visiting hooker Simon James managed to nick a few strikes against the head at critical times.

The visitors stretched their lead when, following an infringement in front of the posts, Pershore conceded a penalty, which was duly converted by Sparrey.

Pershore came roaring back, though, and turned over a Wanderers scrum five metres out from their line.

Wanderers tight-head Steve Brookes left the field with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Rob Green. However, the Worcester side’s scrum stayed solid and turned over Pershore to signal the end of the first-half.

The second-half was similar to the first, dominated by the conditions and defences determined to give nothing away.

The play was contained largely around the half-way line, but with Pershore enjoying more of the possession.

Pershore set up a tense finish when they scored an unconverted try with 15 minutes to go.

Another strong scrum resulted in flanker Chris Copson diving over from close range. Woodhouse was again unsuccessful with the conversion.

Pershore lacked any composure and were somewhat naive during the final 10 minutes of the game.

They won a string of penalties near the half-way line but, instead of kicking to the corner and starting a surge from a line-out, they opted to run the ball, failing to make the gain line each time.

Wanderers held out for a deserved victory in difficult conditions and remain second placed in the league, while Pershore dropped to sixth.