Droitwich 9 - Cullompton 23

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Droitwich’s Twickenham dream came to an end when they were defeated by a talented Cullompton side on Saturday.

In blustery conditions the visitors started brightly using their mobile pack to run at Droitwich to make good ground. The home side, though, kept plugging away and making yardage through good runs by Dean Goddard and Phil Horton.

A penalty was awarded and the reliable Duncan Hughes added the three points.

A typically strong run by Jonny Critchlow found Nick Godfrey in support, but he could not quite get the pass away, for what would have been an almost certain score.

Cullompton hit back with a penalty of their own, before quick ball from a scrum was passed down the line. Droitwich allowed the attackers too much space and the very pacey left winger breezed over unopposed. Droitwich hit back with two more Hughes penalties.

The second half was always going to be difficult for the Spa side, playing into the stiff breeze, but their cause was not helped by constantly kicking away possession, especially bearing in mind the visitors had a very fast and very talented back three.

Another two penalties from Cullompton saw them stretch their lead, before another aimless kick by the home side saw the visitors counter attack and go the length of the pitch to score the decisive try.

Droitwich came back strongly in the last few minutes, but it was too little too late as they pounded the visitors’ line, but were unable to cross it.

Overall the best side won, but it must be said if Droitwich had taken their chances, and not insisted on kicking away too much possession they may have faired better.

After the game a disappointed captain, Dean Goddard, added “We are naturally very disappointed, but we are second in the league and have everything to play for, so we will put this setback behind us.”

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