VICTORY was snatched from the hands of Droitwich Spa RFC First XV after an impressive performance.

Spa lost 31-27 at home to unbeaten joint Midlands Three West (South) leaders Old Leamingtonians last Saturday.

And the hosts thought they had won when leading 27-26 after 17-year-old debutant Sean Walker had ran in a try from 50-metres in the final minute.

But Old Leamingtonians stole the points with an even later try of their own.

A focused Droitwich side dominated the early exchanges but it was Old Leamingtonians who took an early 10-0 lead after kicking a penalty and scoring their first of four tries.

Droitwich replied through Jamie Faulkener, who combined some impressive skills and searing pace to touch down in the corner for the prolific Matt Blackmore to convert.

It was Spa captain Blackmore who then gave his team the lead by slotting home two penalties.

But the visitors replied to take a 15-13 lead into the break.

Droitwich were on top at the start of the second half. Good work by Dean Goddard and Andrew Manns gave Puni the chance to squeeze in at the corner for Blackmore to convert.

Old Leamingtonians drew level when they drove home from a lineout and took a 26-20 lead after taking advantage of Spa conceding penalties.

But Droitwich battled and thought they had won the game in the last minute when the impressive Walker set up Leon Hopkins, on to replace Dean Evans, to run the ball in from fully 50 metres. Blackmore converted for a one-point lead.

It was not enough though as the visitors came back after winning a line out and pushed over once more to snatch victory.

Spa's second string lost their unbeaten record 10-8 at Old Halesonians.

Old Hales scored two tries for a 10-0 half time lead but Steve Duffield brought Droitwich back into the game at the start of the second. Craig Burgess added a penalty.