WORCESTER Wanderers were forced to dig deep to beat a resilient 14-man Whitchurch 37-27 on Saturday.
Stuart James’ side would have been looking to continue their try-scoring form which saw them hammer Kenilworth 45-5 in the last round of fixtures in Midlands One West.
But the hosts proved to be no push over as they struck twice inside the opening 15 minutes to take a 12-0 lead.
Even when hooker Sam Charlesworth saw red for an alleged head butt on Richard Ralph mid-way through the first half, Whitchurch continued to cause Worcester problems.
Two Ollie Meadows penalties and a try from James Priddey saw the visitors close the gap, but Whitchurch responded to move 20-11 in front at half time.
The interval seems to come at the right time for Wanderers as they returned revitalised and after 14 minutes of relentless pressure they eventually crossed the whitewash, with Meadows slotting home the conversion.
This still did not dash Whitchurch’s spirit as they hit back with a penalty try to open up a 27-18 lead.
But Worcester refused to give in as they got a penalty try of their own, which Meadows converted.
With just two points separating the two teams, Wanderers could sense victory and they clinched it when Chris Griffiths drove over late on.
A SUPERB second half performance saw Worcester Ladies come from behind to defeat 27-14 Richmond to move up to third in the Women’s Premiership.
Lisa Campbell touched down in the first half, but Richmond appeared to be using their more experienced pack to their advantage as they led 11-5 at half time.
However, Worcester came back fighting after the break as a Megan Goddard penalty reduced the deficit before Kelly Smith went in under the posts, which Goddard converted.
Richmond hit back with a penalty from Goodliffe, but the visitors then pulled away to record a comfortable victory with tries from Laura Keates and Rochelle Clark.
UPTON’S recent upturn in form was undone by a slick Woodrush side who won 36-10 to maintain their place at the top of Midlands Three West (South).
The home side were in confident mood after recording three wins in November, but a try from Dan Keyte was all they could muster as the league leaders went 14-5 in front at half time.
Matt Dunwell added another for Upton, but this proved to be a consolation score as Woodrush struck twice to seal victory.