Droitwich 34 - Stourbridge Lions 12

Saturday 12th April 2008

Droitwich rounded off their home league campaign in fine style—seeing off a spirited Stourbridge Lions by running in three tries through Andy Vizor, Nick Godfrey and Ross Coombes.

With the blustery wind on their backs in the first period Droitwich started brightly. A good lineout take by Phil Horton saw Jon Andrews take the ball forward to feed Steve Poke, who threw a good pass to young full-back Vizor to inject pace, his lovely arcing run left the defence on their heels as he scorched under the posts. Stand in fly half Jonny Critchlow added the additional points.

More strong running by tight forwards Dean Goddard and Pete Norris saw Droitwich advance up the pitch to give Critchlow two penalty attempts which he calmly slotted.

Good work by Poke and winger Craig Mortlemans saw Andrews surge forward before Nick Godfrey was on hand to power his way over from close range to give the home side an 18 points to nil advantage at the break.

With the wind against them in the second period Droitwich knew they would have to modify their game plan to maintain their advantage. However, the half got off to the worst possible start when back row forward Phil Horton was shown a red card—harshly some may argue—for a punching offence.

While Droitwich seemed slow to reorganise, the visitors took the opportunity to reduce the arrears and scored two quick tries.

The game now seemed in the melting pot, but Droitwich raised their game with veteran back row forward Nick Godfrey turning in an excellent display. He was ably supported by youngster Harry Riley who’s lineout work, in the absence of Horton, was simply first class. With the Droitwich forward now supplying consistent quality possession the backs were able to make inroads, with Ross Coombes and Mark Strutt both running strong, intelligent lines.

The visitors had no options but to infringe, giving the reliable boot of Critchlow three further opportunities to extend the Spa lead, which he gratefully accepted.

As the clock ran down Droitwich seemed more and more in control of the game as Sean Walker ran strongly, well supported by replacements Andy Manns and Matt Blackmore. Coombes made a dynamic outside burst to leave the defence in his wake and score under the posts. Blackmore added the conversion to give Droitwich a handsome and well deserved victory.

Droitwich have one further league game against Leamington next week, although this is totally academic and the result cannot influence the league standings. Droitwich’s attention will now turn to their promotion playoff against Stoke on Trent, at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on April 26th. This will give Droitwich a chance to earn the right to play their rugby in Midlands Division 2 next season—a level at which the Spa side have never played before.

Captain Dean Goddard added “To even be in this position, after promotion last year, is an indication of how hard the squad have worked. We will go out and give it our all against Stoke and do our best to round off another exceptional season in the finest possible way.”

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