THERE was no shame in a 33-8 defeat at league leaders Nuneaton Old Edwardians for Evesham Rugby Club.

The Midlands Two West (South) fixture was reversed to allow eighth-placed Evesham's pitches by the River Avon to recover from flooding.

The hosts started brightly with Dave Barber crashing over for an early score.

Nuneaton worked hard to wrestle back control with three tries in the second quarter.

Mike Diston slotted a penalty on half-time to leave Evesham trailing 19-8 at the break.

The visitors continued to exhibit fighting spirit and proved difficult to break down, restricting their undefeated opponents to only two further scores before the end.

Saturday sees the visit of third-placed Stratford provided Evesham’s pitches have fully recovered.

Meanwhile, Evesham's second-placed colts won 29-17 at north Birmingham side Veseyans for their sixth victory in seven league games.

They started strongly with the forwards dominating the scrum and turning over the ball, leading to full-back Will Pearce's well-taken try after a blind-side break by Jake Smith.

Toby Turner was unlucky with the conversion attempt.

The second try saw Smith break and pass to James Carsberg whose inside return provided Smith with the first of his three tries which Turner converted.

More pressure and good handling by the backs led to Pearce dancing over for his second try.

Smith secured the bonus-point fourth try with a kick and chase from the restart.

With confidence high and everyone playing to their full potential, Smith sealed his hat-trick before half-time.

Turner kicked one more conversion and was unlucky with another that hit both post and crossbar.

Turning round 29-3 ahead, Evesham should have taken the game well beyond their hosts.

But indiscipline and a lack of concentration led to mistakes and penalties which Veseyans capitalised upon with two converted tries.

While the win was never under threat Evesham will need to learn from the second half if they are to challenge for the title.

Player of the match was Smith while Jasper Martin impressed again and is in contention for most improved player of the season.

Pershore's Midlands Four West (South) trip to Upton was postponed and they visit Kings Norton on Saturday.

Bredon Star won 18-17 at Minchinhampton in Wadworth Gloucestershire Two North.