EVESHAM'S 27-20 defeat at close rivals Silhillians has to go down as a missed opportunity to climb up the Midlands Two West (South) table.

The team remain in ninth position with only a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Silhillians had the better of the first half with two good tries but were gifted a third through some sloppy Evesham play.

The visitors blew hot and cold all half but fly-half Tom Williams kept his side in the game.

He kicked two penalties and converted his own try to leave Evesham trailing 24-13 at the break.

Evesham cut out most of their mistakes in the second period and dominated many aspects of play, particularly the scrum.

Zak Shotton crashed over and Williams added the extras to bring Evesham within four points but a further score would not come.

Instead the seventh-placed home side slotted a long-range penalty with a few minutes to go to clinch victory.

Evesham host second-from-bottom Earlsdon on Saturday in a must-win fixture (2.15pm).

Eighth-placed Pershore lost narrowly 10-6 at Midlands Four West (South) leaders Upton.

They visit Harbury on Saturday.