DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV lost their second home game in a row with a 20-7 defeat to Barkers Butts.

Spa, who lost their opening game against Stratford, matched Barkers Butts, relegated in each of the last two seasons, for long periods before losing out.

But director of rugby Julian Bailey believes his side were in with a shout of victory.

He said: "They were very well organised and it was apparent that they have played at a higher level. That showed as the game wore on, they just kept plugging away at us and they did the basic things very well and they deserved to win.

"But saying that we were once again in the thick of things and were only a score away until the last few minutes and could have quite easily walked away with a win if we hadn't made mistakes when putting pressure on them. We raised our game but came up against a better side."

Droitwich gave a debut to South African scrum half Gareth Montgomery and also re-called full back Ben Cotterill to replace injured Andy Pincher.

There were also call-ups for front row forward Dean Goddard and veteran prop Paul Bowditch.

The visitors went 7-0 ahead through a well-worked converted try in the backs.

Droitwich though bounced straight back, putting the forwards under constant pressure with young hooker Andrew Manns playing exceptionally.

The hosts found a way through with a Jethro Tedman try ten minutes before the break.

Tedman picked the ball up from the back of a ruck, found a gap in the defence and went over from close range for skipper Matt Blackmore to convert and level the scores at half time.

The second half began promisingly for Droitwich, with the backs looking lively, but an experienced and dominant forward display from Barkers Butts proved too much for the home pack.

The visitors ran in another try and kicked two penalties to take the match.

A young Droitwich Spa Seconds won 34-13 at Bromsgrove Thirds. Droitwich scored through the Jamie Faulkener, 18-year-old centre Shaun Walker, and Nick Radchenkco, while fly half Dean Evans kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Spa travel to Bridgnorth, of Midlands Three West (North) in the Powergen Intermediate Cup first round this Saturday.