Despite the poor conditions the Ones remained hot on the heels of top side Pinley with a dogged 20-14 victory against Warwickshire side Shipston on Stour. With the heavy pitch & weather conditions combining it was never really going to be a day for Yards' exciting backs to shine, and this was reflected in the low scoring encounter against a determined & gutsy Shipston side who are themselves fighting for league survival.
For the second week in succession Yards' dominant forwards were rewarded for some excellent work when Shipston were forced to bring down a driving maul with the line begging, referee Martyn Sly awarding a penalty try. Yards' other tries were scored by hooker Adam Baldock & fullback Sean Rai with fly half Jake White adding a penalty and a conversion. With this result Yards remain second in the table a point behind Pinley but with a game in hand and four points ahead of new third placed side Ledbury; this Saturday Yards host Upton-on-Severn at Tilehouse Lane and will be hoping to maintain their 20 month unbeaten home record.
The Seconds were in Worcester & Hereford Merit League 1 action and travelled over to Old Halesonians 3rds where they lost 29-7, Yards' only try coming from newcomer Adam Sumner.
The Club's elderly gentlemen, the Vandals, confirmed their title credentials in Worcester & Hereford Merit League 3 with a 43-0 rout of last season's champions Old Halesonians 4ths, tries were scored by Phil Evans (2), Gary Robinson (2), youngster Alan Arkell, Lee Coates and Dave Rollins who also added four conversions.