Droitwich 23 - Berkswell and Balsall 5

Sunday, 8th January, 2006

Droitwich got the New Year underway in fine style with a hard fought and well deserved win over Berkswell and Balsall.

Both sides started slowly, due to the difficult, cold, wet conditions, but it was Droitwich who made the early running with fly-half Matt Blackmore kicking the home side into some useful positions. Droitwich did try and move the ball along the three quarters, but the weather conditions made this a slow process, so the Spa side seemed to have more success breaking around the fringes of the rucks and mauls; with James Davis and Phil Horton being particularly effective in this area. From one such break the visitors were penalised and Blackmore put Droitwich ahead. Another penalty effort shortly after struck the cross bar, only for the alert Simon Pearce to follow up and score under the posts.

The second period again saw Droitwich gain the lion’s share of the possession and half backs Steve Poke and Blackmore drove Droitwich down into Berkswell’s territory. Although scoring proved difficult Blackmore added two further penalties to stretch the home side’s lead.

The visitors hit back with a try from a catch and drive to narrow the gap. But Droitwich opened up their game. After a break from Ben Thomas, Horton took the ball on to find replacement full back Chris Hooper to race home to score from 50 metres. Blackmore again added the conversion.

The final minutes saw the visitors big forwards pound the Droitwich line, but the defence stayed solid. This win leaves Droitwich in third place in the league and in a healthy position for the rest of the league campaign.

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