EVESHAM were edged out 23-20 at home to high-flying Old Laurentians in a Midlands Two West (South) mud-fest.
Conditions proved a leveller with neither side able to pull away.
First-half tries for Liam Berry and Zak Shotton kept the hosts in touch with Old Laurentians leading 18-17 at the break.
Evesham dominated possession for large periods of the second half but could not turn pressure into victory.
A fine place kicking display by Ben Capaldi, slotting two conversions and two penalties, secured a well-earned bonus point for his side.
Evesham remain in eighth position and go into the festive break confident of climbing up the table in the new year.
They are next in action on Saturday, January 5, at Silhillians (2.15pm).
Pershore crashed 42-17 at mid-table rivals Bromyard in Midlands Four West (South).
In Gloucestershire One, third-from-bottom Bredon Star were hammered 52-3 at home by Smiths.
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