EVESHAM Rugby Club suffered a heavy 82-18 defeat at unbeaten Malvern in Midlands Two West (South).

With an understrength team, the eighth-placed visitors were overwhelmed in the first half, trailing 49-3 at the break with only a Mike Diston penalty in reply.

The visitors showed spirit in the second period with three tries, one for Fred Hopper and a brace for Will Bugg, and tested Malvern as they pushed for a fourth bonus-point try.

It was not to be and the hosts regained the initiative with three more tries before the final whistle.

The previous week, Evesham saw off visitors Leamington 11-6 after being dominant in the scrum.

Ash Icke scored the only try early on and Diston slotted two first-half penalties.

Evesham are due to entertain leaders Nuneaton Old Edwardians on Saturday but with the ground several feet under water at the weekend the condition of the pitches will be assessed once it has cleared.

Pershore lost 26-17 at high-flying Old Yardleians in Midlands Four West (South) ahead of Saturday's county derby at Upton.

Bredon Star go to Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire Two North on Saturday.