WORCESTER Wanderers recorded a fine 15-7 win against previously-unbeaten Aston Old Edwardians in terrible conditions at Weston Fields in the third round of the Midlands Intermediate Cup.

The wet and windy weather made handling and kicking difficult.

Wanderers kicked-off with a strong wind at their backs and immediately Old Eds were forced to defend deep in their 22. The hosts had the territorial advantage, but unforced errors and a strong Old Eds defence kept them at bay.

A long-range penalty from in front of the posts, was dispatched by Greg Fincher to edge Wanderers ahead.

Wanderers went back on the attack, but handling errors from both sides in atrocious conditions led to numerous stoppages for scrums.

The home team were awarded a scrum 30 metres from the Old Eds line, a clean strike saw lively number eight Jake Saddington break down the blindside, before being tackled just short of the line. However, a beautiful one-handed off-load to the supporting Luke Denton led to an excellent try in the corner. Fincher stepped up to convert from the touchline.

Richard Ralph was replaced by Carl Thomas due to injury and, moments later, Reg Ohlson was despatched to the sin bin for handling in a ruck.

Wanderers continued to dominate territory, but couldn’t find the killer touch.

Old Eds applied pressure from the second-half kick-off, pushing Wanderers deep into their 22. The 10-point lead did not look like it would be enough as Wanderers repelled two surges from the big Old Eds forwards.

On the third occasion, the visiting tighthead barged over the line to the left of the posts for a converted try.

This seemed to spur Wanderers on. From the re-start, they poured forward and turned over the ball to force Old Eds onto the back foot.

Wanderers’ forwards took control, bolstered by fresh legs from the bench Chris Collins, Luke Weaver and Ollie Horton.

The hosts’ pick-and-drive kept Old Eds pinned in their half and, with Weaver dominating the line-out, Wanderers had the game by the scruff of the neck.

Another series of drives took Wanderers deep into the Old Eds 22.

The visitors’ scrambling defence looked solid, but a surge from the Worcester forwards saw Carl Thomas emerge from the ruck and sprint over the line for an unconverted try to seal the win.