DROITWICH RFC First XV began their Midlands Four West (South) campaign with a narrow 20-19 defeat at Old Halesonians.

Spa, who led 12-3 at the interval, were guilty of some basic errors, which were ultimately punished by their hosts.

Director of rugby Julian Bailey said: "I was pleased with the way the guys performed overall but we made a few too many mistakes which allowed them opportunities. We will be working on those because in the end they cost us.

"We played really well and were quite clearly the better side on the pitch for three quarters of the game."

Late injuries to Droitwich backs Bruce Thomas and Leon Hopkins forced a re-shuffle with Ian Kilner coming in to the centre and Jon Fideo playing out of position on the wing.

Droitwich absorbed the early pressure and then put together some fine passages of play, leading to a score by Gareth Knight and a Matt Blackmore conversion.

More good play saw Knight again explode clear to run in a try from 40 metres, giving Spa a 12-3 lead at the break.

Old Hales, who were relegated to Midlands Four last season, rallied and pressurised the Droitwich line in the second half although the visitors held firm.

But Droitwich lost concentration and some basic errors gifted Old Halesonians with two easy tries.

But the visitors had the strength to re-organise and mount a determined attack, which saw the ball fed out to Fideo who used his power and skill to cut through Old Halesonians to score.

The hosts again came back and it was another error by Droitwich that gave possession to Old Halesonians who manufactured a score under the posts for their single point victory.

The Seconds also lost by a point with a 25-24 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Andrew Manns, Lee Mortlock and Neil Evans scored the Spa tries.