Missed kicks prove costly as Pershore lose at home

2:40pm Monday 1st December 2008

Pershore 5, Worcester Wanderers 10pts

WHAT Saturday’s fixture lacked in fluidity was certainly made up for with tension in the clash between two of the leading lights in Midlands West Four.

Pershore started the stronger with their bigger forwards stamping some authority on the game.

The scrum was a struggle for the Wanderers’ pack who were pushed backwards all afternoon. But, what the their forwards lacked in size, they made up for with intelligence as they dominated the tackle area and earned more than their fair share of turnovers.

Much of the first half was played in the middle of the park with neither team really getting close enough to the line to worry the defence.

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

Thirty minutes in and the scoring started. Wanderers switching play from one wing to the other resulted in the left winger cutting inside and taking advantage of poor tackling. The conversion was added to give the visitors a 7-0 interval lead.

It was vital for Pershore to score first in the second half but, no sooner had the game restarted, than an infringement gifted the visitors an easy three points.

Midway through the half Pershore finally got themselves back in the game. Another strong scrum resulted in flanker Chris Copson diving over from close-range but Woodhouse was again unsuccessful with the kick.

Pershore lacked any composure and were somewhat naïve during the final ten minutes.

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

Wanderers held out for a deserved victory in difficult conditions and remain second in the league with Pershore dropping down to sixth with games in hand.

Pershore make the trip to Ledbury on Saturday when they will be hoping to regain some ground on the top sides.