Four tries see off Spa

Julian Bailey's side, beaten 24-18 by Leamington last week, conceded four tries last Saturday and trailed 18-3 at one stage as they let a larger home pack get the better of them both before and after half time.

And despite a spirited fight back, including two tries and Matt Blackmore penalties, Spa left themselves too much to do.

Club spokesperson Steve Bradbury said: "They were a good team but I think we perhaps gave them a try or two too many and didn't defend as well as we could. But it was a good performance against top opposition."

Droitwich played into the strong breeze in the first half with the hosts trying to utilise their big forwards to pressurise the Droitwich line.

The smaller, more dynamic, Droitwich pack though seemed to have the measure of the opposition and kept the ball moving around the park.

Old Coventrians took the lead with a penalty, but three points did not seem enough of a return for using the strong wind.

Then, inexplicably, Droitwich lost concentration and allowed the opposition to run in two tries wide on the left just before half time.

But the visitors did have the last word of the half when Matt Blackmore kicked a penalty.

Droitwich's defensive frailties were again exposed after the break as a pass was intercepted for Old Covs to score a third try for an 18-3 lead.

Droitwich however came back strongly and good lineout work by Phil Horton saw prop Paul Bowditch crash over. Blackmore then added a penalty before the hosts scored their fourth try from a clever cross kick.

This seemed to be end of Droitwich's resistance but Blackmore kicked a third penalty before Will Bolten broke down the right to score in the corner. Droitwich had one last opportunity but could not secure quality possession and take their chance.

DROITWICH SPA

Cottrell, Bolten, Mountjoy, Childs, Poke (sub Sheen 50 mins), Blackmore, Mortlock, Garfield, Irwin, Bowditch (sub Thomas 70 mins), Way, Horton, Fideo, Godfrey, Knight (sub Smith 65 mins).