PERSHORE blew a seven-point lead in a tense finish to Saturday’s 34-31 North Midlands Vase Plate derby defeat to Bredon Star.

Despite tries from Ash White (2), Nick Creswick (2) and Damo May, the home side paid the price for a high penalty count which allowed Bredon to battle back.

Pershore defied playing against the elements to lead 19-17 at half-time and got themselves into a good position going into the final 10 minutes at 31-24.

The momentum switched frequently and Bredon dug deep to power over the line.

With time ticking away and Pershore needing simply to kick out the ball, Bredon stole the ball from the base of the scrum and spun wide for the winning score.

Evesham return from a weekend off with a trip to Droitwich in Midlands Two West (South) on Saturday.

Pershore travel to bottom-of-the-table Tenbury in Midlands Four West (South), while Bredon host North Bristol in Gloucester One.