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Droitwich 24 - Cleobury Mortimer 5

Monday, March 27, 2006

Droitwich turned in another impressive performance to repeat last week's league victory over Cleobury, this time running out winners 24 points to 5. The wet conditions made flowing rugby difficult, and it is a credit to both sides that a fine game was produced.

Cleobury scored first from a driving maul when the Droitwich defence appeared slow to organise. The conversion attempt hit the post.

Within five minutes Droitwich replied. Inside centre, Ben Cottrell, broke through the Cleobury midfield and powered home from 40 metres out. Pete Murphy added the conversion.

Paul Sweeney and James Davies dominated the lineout throughout the match. The pressure on the Cleobury hooker told early on when a poor throw found its way to Nick Godfrey at the back of the line. Godfrey offloaded to scrum-half Craig Burgess who slipped the ball out to Cottrell. The irrepressible centre cut an excellent line to slice through the Cleobury defence once again. His pace took him away from would-be tacklers and over the try-line for his second. Murphy converted with ease.

At 14 - 5 down Cleobury needed to take their chances to keep in touch, but a failed penalty kick shortly before half-time would turn out to be their last scoring opportunity. Droitwich were on top throughout the second period. Fly-half Murphy kicked beautifully out of hand to pin Cleobury into their own half. Dean Goddard (man of the match) dominated in the front row to nullify Cleobury's forward oriented game.

A fine lineout take by James Davies was driven on only for Cleobury to collapse the maul and the referee to award a penalty try. Murphy converted and later added a further penalty.

Matt Jupp added another yellow card to his collection which took the sheen off a powerful performance at prop. Craig Goode, Ben Thomas and Sasha Hobbs made decent contributions having come on as subs in the second half. The back three of Steve Poke, Simon Pearce and Mark Strutt got through plenty of work, as did hooker James Shewell.

Droitwich moved in to third place in the league with this win. With only one round of matches to go Droitwich are four points behind second placed Edwardians and ahead of Berkswell & Balsall on points difference.

Photos are in the gallery.

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