DROITWICH Rugby Club go into 2018 looking to protect their 100 per cent league record and enjoy more cup success.

But director of rugby Adam Drew has warned the rugby may not be pretty from the Midlands Two West (South) leaders in early January.

Tough away games on cold days do not necessarily see Droitwich at their best but they signed off 2017 with a try bonus point from a gritty 24-8 win at second-from-bottom Nuneaton Old Edwardians on December 16.

The squad have been working on fitness over the festive break before Silhillians visit the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday (2.15pm).

Droitwich then go to Coventry’s Barkers Butts on January 13 and tackle their RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup semi-final at Midlands Two West (North) mid-table side Leek on January 20.

They will look to emulate last season’s run to Twickenham when Spa won the RFU Midlands Senior Vase and reached the national final before being overpowered by Farnham 37-15.

But first Droitwich, who won Midlands Three West (South) last season with a 100 per cent record, bid to cement their league title bid.

They are six points ahead of Worcestershire rivals Malvern, who lost 24-18 at Droitwich on December 9, with Kenilworth a further seven back in third position.

Drew admitted: “You’re not going to see the nicest rugby at this time of year. It’s important for us to be consistent.

“There’s some tough games coming up and we’re not the finished article. We’ve not conceded too many points but we’re not the best scorers either.

“We’ve blown too many (scoring) opportunities and given too many penalties away. We have to look at our discipline.

“But we’re in a good place and not just because of the 11 league wins.

“We will lose a game but I feel that will make us a better team.

“I believe we’ve got the club structure right and everything behind the scenes — the coaching and physios — as well as some good players coming through.

“We’ve given the players belief and that will grow."

A big game below Droitwich on Saturday sees Malvern visit Kenilworth.

Spa's weekend opponents Silhillians are ninth with four wins from 11 fixtures.

They have improved after a dismal start to the season with four consecutive victories before going down 32-21 at home to Barkers Butts before the Christmas break.

The Solihull side beat Malvern 23-22, Nuneaton 32-12, Old Yardleians 34-7 and Southam 32-20.