Pershore 0 - 31 Silhillians

Silhillians travelled to an improving Pershore on the back of 4 straight league wins. The home side got the game underway and applied some early pressure in the scrum and strong running from the backs. Sils extinguished the threat early on and began to show the sorts of play that has seen them climb the table in recent weeks. The lineout was dominant with Marc Bauldrey finding it pretty easy to find the returning Cameron Law, this give a lively backline the opportunity to add to their try tally.

Sils first try came on 13 mins when John Robinson took advantage of some weak midfield defence to score under the post, duly converted by Steve Hawkins. Sils were finally cranking up the gears and applying pressure to the home side and on the half hour scored again with Steve Hawkins finishing off well executed backs move involving the gliding Simon Doherty on his return to the side. The home side didn’t let their heads drop and kept running hard and had it not been for some strong midfield tackling may have helped themselves to some points. The next points however again went to Sils as some strong work in the tight from Laurence White and Dermot O’Leary began to draw in Pershore’s defence, the ball was recycled and spun wide neatly finished by Rafa on the stroke of half time.

The second half started in much the same way as the second had finished with Silhillians dominating much of the play and within 5 minutes Sils were on the score sheet again following a strong hand off Steve Hawkins created a gap for himself to cruise under the posts for a self-converted try. 5 mins later not to be outdone by his centre partner Simon Doherty cut through the home defence to score beneath the post from 30 metres out to be converted by Steve Hawkins. This was to be the last score of the game and the last bit of real pressure the visitors were to apply.

The last 25 mins saw the home side showcase some intelligent passing/offloading and some strong forward play that shows they shouldn’t be struggling like they are. They were helped when Sils were reduced to 14 following Lee Jones’ yellow card. Having said this Sils have to take the credit for soaking up almost half an hour of pressure with resolute defence to stop the home side recording any sort of score.

Sils move to within a point of second in the league scoring 5 tries in two consecutive weeks.

Silhillians 1st XV entertain Upton-On-Severn at Copt Heath in their next League game, 26th November were they will be hoping to make it 6 wins in a row.

Sils Saxons recorded a 57-7 victory over local rivals Old Yardleians 2nd XV scoring 8 tries, including four for Will Crane, in turn winning their fifth match on the bounce.