Droitwich back on track with victory at Bedworth

Sunday 24th January 2010

Droitwich got their league campaign back on track with a hard fought win at Bedworth on Saturday.

The early exchanges were a little messy, but understandably so as neither side had played in over a month. A strong run by Mark Strutt found Andy Manns in support to set up a scrum close to the Bedworth line. Captain Phil Horton picked up at the base and used his explosive pace to power over to open the scoring with young outside half Bobby Scott-Walker adding the conversion.

The home side did try and attack with some long kicks, but veteran full back Matt Blackmore enjoyed a steady game and successfully cleared the danger. Both sides began to string some more impressive passages of play together with the evergreen Nick Godfrey being a constant thorn in the Bedworth side at the breakdown. The half-time interval saw the visitors with a 7 - 0 points advantage.

At the start of the second period, Droitwich were guilty of not clearing their lines allowing Bedworth a chance to reduce the deficit with a well taken penalty. This seemed to spur the Spa side into action and raise their game with the next 15 minutes effectively killing off the game.

Good work by scrum half Steve Poke found Simon Pearce in support, he linked with Matt Jupp and Dylan Jones to set up an attacking position for Droitwich. Horton again took the ball on and again his pace was too much for the home defence, streaking over for his second.

Poke took the ball forward before Dean Goddard powered over the gain line. A deft pass by Blackmore found young winger, Will Baillon in space to race over to put the result beyond doubt. Scott-Walker added the conversion.

As the game reached its dying stages the home side did rally and forced another penalty to peg back Droitwich’s advantage, but the defence was strong and well organised and rarely looked like being breached.

A far from perfect, but well deserved victory sees Droitwich consolidate their second placed position in the league table. The backline was much changed, but one that functioned well under the circumstances. The forwards were workmanlike and well lead by skipper Horton. There was one draw back with a serious injury to hooker James Protherough, whose dislocated shoulder looks set to end his season.

Dean Goddard was in reflective mood after the game, adding “We were rusty but got into our stride quite quickly. They were a physically strong side, but we did well to move the ball swiftly. We are certainly well prepared for the rest of the season.”

Final score: Bedworth 6 – Droitwich 19

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