Aldridge 7 - Droitwich 56

Monday, 16th January, 2006

Droitwich turned on the style in the second-half to crush Aldridge by 56 points to 7 in this preliminary round match of the North Midlands Shield.

Droitwich travelled to Aldridge on Saturday optimistic that they could transfer their fine league form into the North Midlands RFU’s Shield competition. However, Droitwich were struggling before so much as a tackle had been made as number eight, Phil Horton, and utility front row, Ben Thomas, had decided to go on a sightseeing tour of the local area and consequently missed the kick-off. A reshuffle of the starting line-up was required and so skipper Nick Godfrey switched to number eight with the partially fit Dean Goddard coming off the bench to fill in at flanker.

Things went from bad to worse for Droitwich as Aldridge began the match full of intent. Within the first five minutes they had scored under the Droitwich posts with a simple pick-up and drive. It was a soft try to concede and it seemed that Droitwich would be in for a torrid afternoon.

However, once Droitwich had weathered the initial storm, their superior fitness and organisation began to tell. Matt Blackmore kicked well out of hand to keep Aldridge in their own half and Droitwich began to edge towards the try line. A quick tap penalty gave Godfrey a chance to go for the score but he was stopped just short. Simon Pearce, though, was in support and dived over for Droitwich’s opening score. Blackmore missed the difficult conversion.

Droitwich began to open up the play but their backs had not yet hit their stride and a couple of good attacks came to nothing. Shortly before half-time James Shewell charged over in the corner to give the visitors the lead following an incisive break from Blackmore.

With the addition of a penalty kick Droitwich went into the half-time break with a slender 13--7 lead. The lead would have been more emphatic had Blackmore found his range with his place kicking. Horton came on for Goddard at half-time, hoping that his rugby was better than his map reading.

Aldridge continued to work hard in the early stages of the second-half but it wasn’t long before their ageing forwards were feeling the pace. An infringement in front of the posts gave Blackmore a seemingly simple penalty kick. However, he gambled and took a quick penalty before throwing a long pass in the hope of catching out the Aldridge defence. The gamble appeared not to have paid off when the Droitwich attackers were bundled into touch. Ian Craig, though, managed to win the ensuing line-out and drive over the line for the try.

Ten minutes into the second half and Aldridge’s captain and fly-half went down with an injury. This proved to be an important moment in the game as Aldridge were unable to compensate for his loss.

Chris Hooper came off the subs bench for Droitwich and with his first touch scored an excellent try. Blackmore converted to take the score to 30--7. There was no coming back for Aldridge.

Droitwich now moved into a higher gear. A well worked move off second phase ball saw Hooper slice through the tiring Aldridge defence like a fat knife through butter. Moments later flanker James Davies picked up a loose ball and sprinted towards the try line. As a defender closed him down he was caught in two minds whether to pass the ball or go for the line, but did neither. Although that chance had gone begging it wasn’t long before Leon Hopkins was streaking up the wing to add Droitwich’s sixth.

By now Aldridge had lost all desire. Droitwich ruthlessly closed out the game with two further tries from centres Ben Cottrell and Pete Murphy.

Droitwich now advance to the first round of the Shield competition where they will meet either Dixonians or Worcester Wanderers.

Horton and Thomas found their way home safely.

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