PERSHORE picked up a bonus point courtesy of a plucky showing in Saturday’s 47-26 home loss to Midlands Four West (South) leaders Stoke Old Boys.

Skipper Luke Hardiman, Martin Hope and Damien May (2) crossed the whitewash but could not prevent a defeat to the table toppers.

Pershore, who sit fourth bottom of their league, will bid to seize upon home advantage on Saturday when derby rivals Bredon Star visit Piddle Park (2.15) in the North Midlands Vase Plate.

Bredon, who ply their trade in Gloucester One, also suffered a defeat on Saturday, losing out 38-17 to Dursley to reside fifth bottom ahead of their break from league action.

In Midlands Two West (South), Evesham moved up to fifth courtesy of a 27-5 triumph over Berkswell & Balsall.

Youngster Scott Fairfax rounded off the scoring and the bonus-point win after a spell of incessant pressure in the final minute of a match which saw both teams pick up yellow cards, Evesham in the first half and the visitors in the second.

Evesham’s first XV do not play on Saturday but return to action with a trip to league leaders Droitwich, who boast a 100 per cent record, the weekend after.