Sat 18 Oct 2025
Earlsdon RFC produced a stunning comeback to claim a dramatic 23–22 victory over Evesham, overturning a 15-point deficit in front of a lively home crowd.
The visitors started strongly, showing excellent structure and defensive organisation, frustrating the home side who struggled to make meaningful yards in the early exchanges. Evesham’s early dominance was rewarded with two well-taken tries and a penalty, racing them into a commanding 15–0 lead.
But as so often with this Earlsdon side, resilience and belief came to the fore. A spark midway through the first half changed the game completely. A well-constructed move through the midfield saw Dyal dive over under the posts after sustained pressure that Evesham could no longer contain.
The introduction of Max McHugh after 30 minutes proved decisive. His sharp running and intelligent kicking began to stretch the Evesham defence. A clever grubber and regather took Earlsdon close to the line, before Kia Pittam powered his way over for a deserved second try. With the conversion added, Earlsdon went into the break trailing just 14–15, but very much in the ascendency.
The second half saw the home side continue to build momentum. Some excellent phases and patient attacking play put Evesham under huge pressure, and only a last-ditch tackle prevented another score for the Haywood boys.
Evesham, to their credit, refused to fold and extended their lead through a penalty try after Earlsdon’s edge defence faltered. The incident also saw Walsh spend ten minutes in the sin bin, but even a man down, the home team’s determination never wavered.
As the clock ticked down, Earlsdon’s grit and discipline shone through. Phase after phase, they pushed Evesham deep into their own half, forcing a succession of penalties. Tague held his nerve from the tee, slotting crucial kicks to edge Earlsdon into a slender but deserved lead.
This time, there was no repeat of the late collapse seen two weeks earlier against Leamington. Earlsdon saw the game out with composure and belief, sealing a memorable 23–22 victory that delighted players and supporters alike.
After the match, coach Jon Fitt praised his side’s resilience and character:
“We spoke about grit and staying in the fight, and that’s exactly what the boys did today. It wasn’t perfect, but the effort and heart were outstanding.”
Man of the Match: Max McHugh – His impact from the bench turned the game on its head, creating opportunities, applying pressure, and leading the comeback with real energy and intelligence.
