DIRECTOR of rugby Adam Drew believes his side are becoming stronger by the week after four-try Keith Adams inspired Droitwich to their first win of the Midlands One West campaign.

With Russ Brown struggling with a shoulder problem, Adams was named in the second row for Droitwich’s trip to Longton.

And the lock repaid Drew’s faith with a destructive display as he powered over the try-line four times in his side’s 40-34 victory in Staffordshire.

James Shewell and Peter Knight also crossed the whitewash as Droitwich climbed four points clear of bottom club Longton.

“It was a game we had to win,” Drew said.

“It was not the nicest of victories as we made quite a few errors but we will take it as it’s a massive boost for the players and the club.

“I have never been worried about our capability to stay in this league but it was a worrying time when we had so many players out injured and unavailable.

“Gradually they have come back in and we are where we need to be right now.”

Drew was delighted with the performance of Adams, insisting his selection demonstrated Droitwich’s strength in depth.

“Russ has been carrying this niggle so that was one of the reasons why we rested him,” Drew said.

“He is a valued member of the squad and always will be.

“But it was a right decision to play Keith instead of him.

“Keith offers a different approach to the game. His ball-carrying skills and the lines he was making were better.

“You don’t just turn up and score four tries unless you are doing something right so he really boosted our try-count and proved his worth.

“At the start of the season we had 11 players missing at one game and then seven forwards unavailable against Worcester.

“But we are getting better and the rest of the squad is getting up to scratch now.

“We have situations week in, week out where players are carrying niggling injuries.

“Whereas before you felt that you were under pressure to play them because you wouldn’t have a replacement.

“But we are slowly but surely getting replacements for players which is helping us immensely.

“The squad is getting stronger as we speak.”

Droitwich who have moved to 10th position have a weekend off from competitive action before hosting lowly Malvern on Saturday, October 20. But Drew will not be allowing his players to rest on their laurels.

“Everybody is really pleased with Saturday’s result but there is still a lot of work for us to do on the training paddock so we will back to grindstone,” Drew added.

“Malvern will definitely want to beat us.

“But we should be back to full strength so we are looking forward to it.”