FIRST it was Malvern, then came Kidderminster Carolians and now Droitwich and Stourport are at it -- they are all league champions in an incredible season for the area's rugby clubs.

And they have not monopolised the success as both Bromsgrove and Luctonians are flying high at the top of Midlands Two, while Upton and Ledbury have again enjoyed winning seasons in North Midlands One.

At the bottom rung Chaddesley Corbett and Greyhound have made the first steps into competitive rugby and of the established clubs only Pershore and Evesham and Bromyard are at the bottom of their leagues.

Worcester's chances of adding the Premiership Two crown to the roll of honour look slim but, according to KCs coach Ian Bletcher, they already deserve credit.

Bletcher, an RFU development officer at Castlecroft, claims the 'Worcester effect' is making the difference.

He dismisses claims that rugby fans are choosing to watch the game at Sixways rather than play it.

"There's all this negative stuff about rugby having a bad time but I work in rugby every day and at the grass roots it's never been healthier," he said. "If you look at the success of the junior clubs a lot of the credit has to go to the senior club.

"I've been involved with the lower levels of rugby for a long time and it has seen a quantum leap in standards -- it's the 'Worcester effect'."

He added that clubs may have been upset when Worcester first rose through the ranks because they attracted the area's best players.

But players have since returned to junior clubs as better players because the attraction of competitive first team rugby has seen the importance of second teams dwindle.

The effect can even be seen outside the two counties too with Stourbridge, Dudley Kingswinford and Walsall all making giant strides due to the bigger pool of talented players.

"As Worcester have gone higher and higher they are now looking for international players and everything finds a level," added Bletcher. "Players are going back to their juniors clubs having been exposed to the high standards and organisation.

"Les Cusworth is always judged on first team results but the effect he's had on our players has made my job easier."

Thursday, March 30, 2000.