Droitwich 23 - Worcester Wanderers 16

Saturday 25th February 2006

Droitwich needed two second half tries by the evergreen back row forward, Jon Andrews, to overcome Worcester Wanderers on Saturday and progress in the North Midlands Shield.

Worcester had the advantage of the strong, icy wind in the first half and quickly took a six point lead through two well struck penalties where Droitwich were guilty of not clearing their lines. The advantage was increased when the visitors took a quick tap penalty while the Droitwich players stood like statues thinking the penalty was to be kicked at goal. Worcester were really dominating proceedings, although Droitwich’s tactic of constantly kicking possession away left a lot to be desired. The visitors increased their lead further with another penalty just before half time.

Droitwich turned around to have the wind advantage in the second period, but at 16—0 down the task appeared a stiff one. The home side put pressure on Worcester by kicking to the corners and from a line out take by Paul Sweeney the home pack drove forward for No.8 Andrews to peel off and score. Matt Blackmore had replaced Simon Pearce and added the extra points. Good possession in mid field was passed along the line for Leon Hopkins to show great pace and strength to score again for Droitwich. Shortly afterwards Blackmore added a tricky penalty, before slotting a second with only a few minutes remaining. Droitwich’s slender lead looked vulnerable, but one last drive by the forwards saw the irrepressible Andrews on hand to power his way over from 5 metres.

Droitwich will be pleased with their first half performance, but must question their first half tactics. The two sides meet again in a weeks time for a league encounter.

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