Pershore 19 - Kidderminster 21
APR
Pershore were unfortunately relegated on Saturday afternoon after a
dramatic defeat against Kidderminster, in a game which was dominated by
the referee. Pershore led after 20 minutes when a forwards and back
combined to create a gap for winger Stefan Ellis to score an unconverted
try. It was the visitors who went into half time in the lead after a
penalty and converted try.
In the second half the Pershore forwards began to control the game and
the areas of the pitch the game was played in. Converted try by Martin
Hope meant that Pershore regained the lead only to relinquish it a few
minutes later when Mcllelan converted a penalty. At 12-13 to the
visitors Pershore were again camped on the KC's line. Despite persistent
infringements by the visiting defence the referee didn't think that a
yellow card was necessary, only to sin bin Pershore hooker Ben Humphries
for entering a ruck dangerously. This was a real kcik in the teeth for
Pershore but it was the first of sequence of strange decisions which
went against them. Hope did manage to squeeze over for his second
converted try and it looked like Pershore would go on and win.
Unfortunately for the home team Kidderminster struck with just 5 minutes
left, although the referee missed an obvious knock on in the last phase
of play before Mclellan went over for an unconverted try. With Pershore
still a point up all they needed to do was run the clock down. From a
lineout they drove the ball, the maul was pulled down, yet another
infringement which went unpunished. Kidderminster turned the ball over
and managed to attack towards the Pershore posts.
At the breakdown Pershore were deemed to be offside and the referee gave
an easy penalty under the posts, which Mclellan made no mistake with.
The kick guaranteed both safety for Kidderminster and relegation for
Pershore. The Piddle Park outfit are again at home next week for their
final game of the campaign when they entertain champions Barkers Butts.
