Evesham roar into cup semi-final spot (From Evesham Journal)
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Evesham roar into cup semi-final spot
1:00pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport
MY BALL: An Evesham player (left) tries to win back possession during his side’s 24-7 defeat at Kings Norton in Midlands Three West (South) ahead of Saturday’s home game with Old Wheateyans (3pm) at Lower Albert Road.
UNDEFEATED Evesham marched into the Under 17s National Cup divisional semifinals with an exciting 32-29 victory over Rugby Lions.
It is the furthest an Evesham side have progressed in the competition at the age group with the last-four clash set for Sunday, March 10.
After a bright start by the hosts, the Warwickshire champions controlled the first 20 minutes.
With Evesham under pressure and making uncharacteristic mistakes, Rugby capitalised with two tries.
The Vale side struggled to get momentum but a string of penalties at the breakdown let them back in with Mike Harris slotting one and missing another.
However, a lucky moment from his third attempt inspired Evesham as the bounce of the ball outfoxed everybody apart from Dom Berry who gathered for a simple touchdown.
Harris converted and a further penalty gave Evesham the lead although Rugby continued to pressurise.
From a kick forward just before half-time, Henry Hopper rushed a clearance and the visitors hit back to score a converted try, establishing a 19-13 advantage at halftime.
In the second period, Henry Murray broke down the right and quick ball was spread for the impressive Ash Icke to crash over.
Harris converted but Rugby replied with a converted try and penalty for a nine-point lead into the last quarter.
With Iain Stoddart and Alex Stoddart leading the tackle count, Berry charged from inside his own half deep into Lions’ territory.
A moment of magic eventually unlocked Rugby when lock Jay Hann drew in the last defender before off-loading for Sam Laight to score.
Player-of-the-match Laight's forced turn-over led to the winning try with Icke, Wilf Watson and Oli Salcedo involved before Connor Greatrix finished off a pickand- drive from close range.
Harris’ conversion completed the win for Evesham who host Dudley Kingswinford on Sunday in the North Midlands Cup semi-finals (11am).
- Pershore kept up the pressure on the Midlands Three West (South) top two with a fine 29-14 victory at Cheltenham North.
Stefan Ellis, Ashley White, Luke Hardiman and Martin Hope (2) scored the tries.
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