EVESHAM Rugby Club held their nerve to claim a much-needed 25-13 win in Midlands Two West (South) following the visit of relegation rivals Old Coventrians.

The home side started brightly with an early try for their leading scorer Ashley Icke.

Tom Williams missed the conversion but atoned with two well-taken penalty kicks.

He also added the extras to a try for Liam Berry just before half-time to leave Evesham 18-3 in front.

Old Covs dug in after the break and clawed their way back to 18-13.

The building tension was eventually dispelled by Evesham's captain Andy Robinson who broke clear to set up a second try for Berry to the delight of the home fans.

Williams added the conversion to complete the scoring.

Evesham will need to win one of their two remaining games to be sure of staying up but this victory will go a long way to achieving their goal.

They visit second-placed Old Laurentians on Saturday before hosting the current basement side Rugby St Andrews the following week in the final game of the season.

Pershore crashed 71-7 at second-placed Bedworth in Midlands Four West (South) ahead of Saturday's home game with Bromyard.

Bredon Star were also thumped 73-17 at home to Gloucestershire One leaders Ross-on-Wye. Star go to Smiths on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Evesham lost 54-10 to Kings Norton in the North Midlands Under 16s Cup semi-finals.

Kings made their presence felt early on with a couple of converted tries out wide.

Evesham pushed Kings back with Jonny Tarring falling on a loose ball for their first try.

Kings hit back with a couple more tries before Brooke Moulton bagged Evesham's second.

But the Vale side were hit on the break for several more in the second period and a dominant scrum increased the margin.