Old Laurentians 3 - Droitwich 23

Saturday 29th March 2008

Droitwich have the evergreen Duncan Hughes to thank for Saturday’s victory. The veteran outside half turned in a vintage performance scoring all of the Spa side’s points in a much improved display over in Rugby.

With a gale force wind blowing straight down the ground, it would prove to be another game of two halves. The visitors had the advantage of the elements in the first period and were quickly into their stride as Hughes stroked over a penalty for a lineout infringement.

Strong running by Jon Andrews saw the ever alert Nick Godfrey in support to feed Andy Manns who burst through the gap to find that man Hughes in support to go over for his first try—inevitably adding the conversion.

Great work by Paul Sweeney, who later in the game suffered a nasty dislocation of the shoulder, found Dean Goddard in support who then released the ball to the backs. Ross Coombes made ground before Sean Walker fed the lively Mark Strutt who was hauled down metres short. The ball came back to Stevie Poke who passed to Hughes to pop over the simplest of drop goals.

As the clock was running down Droitwich knew they had to score more points to protect their lead into the strong wind in the second half. A clever kick by Simon Pearce saw the home side fumble before straying off side. Hughes slotted the penalty to make the half time score 16 points to nil.

Droitwich were under no illusions as to the task facing them to defend their lead, but superb play by Jon Andrews and youngster Harry Riley ensured the home side secured precious little quality possession.

Laurentians did convert a penalty to reduce the arrears, but the visitors’ defence always looked secure, and despite the loss of Sweeney the forwards had the upper hand, using the experience of Godfrey, Andrews and Goddard to grind their way up the pitch. Manns was always a livewire and ensured the Laurentians’ attacks were always under pressure.

With time rapidly running out the Warwickshire side threw caution to the wind for none other than Hughes to intercept and gallop forty five metres to touch down under the posts completing the scoring with the conversion to round off an excellent day’s work for both him and Droitwich.

For Droitwich this was sweet revenge as Old Laurentians won at the Memorial Ground on the opening day of the season to inflict on the Spa side one of only two league defeats.

After the game hero Duncan Hughes commented “We were much more focused today. I thought some of the young lads really earned their spurs. It is a pleasure for us older guys to see the players of the future.”

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