ANOTHER below-par start resulted in Evesham losing another game they could have won.

The 21-5 defeat at home to Barkers Butts left Evesham in a regulation battle in Midlands Two West (South) after they slipped to ninth in the table only six points above the bottom side.

The only points for the home side came in the last five minutes of the game with an unconverted try from Dan Humpston.

Evesham will be in action at Camp Hill on Saturday in the North Midlands Shield semi-final.

The team will be seeking revenge over the same side who knocked them out of the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Pershore drew 24-24 at Coventrians in Midlands Four West (South) and Bredon Star crashed 70-5 at leaders Cheltenham North in Gloucestershire One.

Third-from-bottom Star host fourth-placed Cirencester on Saturday.