Droitwich RFC News from March 2008

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Droitwich U13's 34 - Worcester U13's 7

Sunday, March 30, 2008

This was a match between a depleted Droitwich and a development Worcester squad. Worcester got off to a flying start scoring and converting in the first few minutes, however, from that point on DRFC came back strongly and seized the game.

Nick Richards, in one of his first games, ran down the wing to score the first try. He was followed by Charlie Harrop with the first of his two tries. This was followed by Alex Simmons, Jack Coulter and Nick Richards again.

Bradley Cook converted two of them to make the final score 34—7 to Droitwich. Charlie Harrop was not only great on the attack but also tackled everyone in sight along with Ed Burkes who must have had 3 Weetabix for his breakfast. Well done to all the lads.

Droitwich U7's win away at Tamworth

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Droitwich Under 7’s returned to action after the Easter break with an away trip to Tamworth, coming out on top over the 4 games played.

This was a great effort from a heavily depleted squad with only 9 boys making the trip due to holidays and other commitments.

The first game was a 7 – 7 draw on a pitch far smaller than we are used to. Having adjusted to the pitch, Droitwich then won the second game 7 – 3.

A few handling errors led to a 5- 3 defeat in the third match, but Droitwich recovered their composure to emerge as 5 – 4 victors in a tight final match.

The top try scorers were Joseph Neale and Ben Lee with 5 each, followed by Harry Alldritt 4, Joe Corlett 3, James Webster and Ben Keepax scored 2 each whilst Nathan Joss crossed the line once.

Jules Gwinnutt and Alex Uner also played vital roles in a good overall performance in the welcome spring sunshine.

Droitwich U15's 5 - Worcester U15's 32

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Droitwich travelled to Worcester for this match, with an Easter holiday ravaged team, but determined to put in a performance worthy of the team shirt.

From the off Worcester tried to exert home field advantage pressurising Droitwich into delivering a strong defensive formation. The Droitwich pack consistently held its own in the early encounters, not allowing Worcester to gain any ground from their applied pressure.

Droitwich then applied some attacking pressure of their own after Oliver Swift positionally kicked Droitwich into the Worcester half of the field, where the Droitwich pack consistently gained the upper hand over Worcester’s forward line. Unfortunately Worcester took advantage of a Droitwich error to sprint down the pitch to score in the corner, hotly pursued by the Droitwich backs.

From the restart Worcester pressed the Droitwich line to increase their advantage, moving the ball around, attempting to spread the Droitwich forwards and backs to create holes to exploit the Droitwich defence. Worcester finally made the pressure tell with another try in the corner.

As the half progressed the Droitwich pack continued to overpower Worcester in scrimmaging and power plays, but were not able to turn their possession into points. Worcester continued to probe Droitwich and were finally rewarded in the last play of the half, again diving over in the corner for their third try of the half which was converted. The half finished Droitwich 0 - Worcester 17.

The second half started much the same as the first finished with the Droitwich pack dominating the forward play, forcing the Worcester pack into errors and scrappy play. It was only when Droitwich allowed Worcester to play the ball to the backs did they show any penetration of the Droitwich line.

In an attempt to change the pattern of the forward play Worcester started changing their forwards in an attempt to find a winning forward combination, but the Droitwich pack held firm. In these early exchanges Droitwich looked to be gaining the upper hand but a quick breakaway after a lineout allowed the Worcester backs to pass the ball and successfully convert their possession into a try in the corner.

Worcester finally realised that trying to drive the Droitwich pack out of the game was not the way forward and proceeded to push the ball wide, allowing the backs to attack from both sides of the forwards when possible. Utilising these tactics Worcester scored their second try of the half scrambling over in the corner.

From the kick-off Droitwich set out determined to place a score on the board themselves and were rewarded after some outstanding committed forward play and very quick ball, with Luke Topping crashing over the try line taking two Worcester players with him to open the scoring for Droitwich.

As the half continued both teams showed considerable commitment to playing expansive rugby, with attacking and resolute defence whenever it was required. The Droitwich pack maintained its dominance over a very good Worcester forward line and both sets of backs showed that they could pass the ball and commit players to gain ground and position. In the final seconds of the game Worcester backs dived in for the final try of the game - again in the corner.

The final score was Droitwich 5 - Worcester 32.

Coach’s special mentions: The final score didn’t reflect the commitment and tenacity shown by the Droitwich players and on another day the score could have been completely different. Special mentions are warranted for Luke Topping who played with a commitment and determination which could have only been rewarded with the try he got; to Craig Browne for some powerful scrimmaging; and Andy Geoghegan for a very good performance in a starting role.

Man of the Match was James Leatherland (crazy) for an outstanding display at flanker. Well done.

Old Laurentians 3 - Droitwich 23

Saturday, March 29, 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.”

Kings Norton 27 - Droitwich 26

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Droitwich lost a close game on Saturday, so much so that at full time the scores sat at 21 all, and extra time was needed. With the icy, gale force wind blowing straight down the pitch this was always going to be a game of two halves, but Droitwich chose to field a much weakened side, and as a consequence failed to get the better of a spirited Kings Norton side.

With the advantage of the strong wind in the first period Droitwich really didn’t seem to know what their tactics were and often simply kicked the ball dead. Outside half Craig Burgess did try and get some direction into the game, but the backline was often too flat to be effective. The forwards drove the ball well, and this set up the first try as prop James Shewell dived over. Two penalties by Sean Walker extended the lead, before another driving maul, with Jon Andrews to the fore, saw Matt Jupp go over. With time running out on the half a good run by Simon Pearce saw James Protherough dive over.

A twenty one nil lead at the break should have been enough for the visitors to defend, although keeping the home side out for as long as possible should have been the order of the day. Instead Droitwich chose to gift Kings Norton a try as well as a penalty kick to reduce the arrears.

The home side now really had their tails up and Droitwich were forced to defend for all their worth, and it was only good defensive tackling by Nick Godfrey and Mark Strutt that kept Droitwich in the game.

Droitwich did have some periods of possession but too often it was needlessly given away for Kings Norton to kick the ball the length of the pitch. Another try by the home side bought them within touching distance, then with time rapidly running out they scored again to send the game into extra time.

Playing with the elements in the first period the home side dropped a goal, before a needless late tackle gave them a simple penalty attempt to turn around six points to the good.

Droitwich threw everything they had at the defence, with Harry Riley making good ground for the ever alert Steve Poke to dive over. This brought the Spa side within a point, but they could not add to their tally.

This sees Droitwich’s cup campaign come to an end, but they only have themselves to blame. It is too much to ask players to perform in a side that was, literally, thrown together at the eleventh hour.

A disappointed Jon Andrews added after the game “Its frustrating to lose such a close game, but to be honest we didn’t play with enough intelligence today, both in attack or defence.”

Droitwich U15's 32 - Kidderminster U15's 7

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Droitwich travelled to Kidderminster this weekend for a contest staged in damp and blustery conditions.

Droitwich started where they left off last week, pressing Kidderminster from the kick-off, looking to change early position into points. Fluid rugby with both backs and forwards involved pushed a dogged Kidderminster defence back to their try line. Droitwich had a number of opportunities to open the scoring, but it was left to Sam O’Brien leading by captain’s example to crash over for the first try of the game.

From the restart Droitwich showed some determination in increasing their try tally, with the Droitwich forwards compressing the play only to release the backs for a move which ended in George Bishop scoring their second try in the corner.

Again from the restart Droitwich endeavoured to press their advantage running the ball back into Kidderminster territory, where Anton Preece picked up on a well executed forwards move on the half way line and carved his way through the Kidderminster defence to score Droitwich’s third try of the half.

Kidderminster then rallied and Droitwich were required to produce some excellent defensive plays with Oliver Swift kicking away to relieve the Kidderminster pressure. The first half ended Droitwich 15 - Kidderminster 0.

The second half started much like the first ended with Kidderminster pressing to open their score, and Droitwich defending their try line. As the half progressed Droitwich turned the tide and started to exert pressure on Kidderminster themselves, which was rewarded when the forwards finished off a grinding drive with Sam O’Brien charging through for his second try of the game which was converted by Oliver Swift.

From the restart Droitwich again put the Kidderminster defence on the back foot taking ground and position, allowing the backs to attack from the flanks ably supported by the forwards. From a scrum under the posts Sam O’Brien took advantage of some loose defending to slip through to score his third try of the game.

From the restart the game started to get a bit scrappy with both sides losing possession and giving the ball to each other, and it was in one of these periods of play that Kidderminster took advantage of a lapse in concentration by Droitwich to open their tally with a try and conversion under the Droitwich posts.

This sparked Droitwich into life with some aggressive play from all of the team as they proceeded to drive the ball down the field closer to the Kidderminster try line. A number of times Droitwich looked as though they would break through to score again but some sterling defence kept Droitwich back.

Eventually as the game came to its conclusion Droitwich made all of the pressure count when Josh Sutterby broke through to score again for Droitwich to finally close out the match, with a final score of Droitwich 32 - Kidderminster 7.

Coaches’ special mentions must go to: Luke Topping, Sam Cave, Andy Geoghegan and Nathan Rewbury for some well executed rugby.

Man of the Match was Connor O’Donnell.

Droitwich 37 - Ledbury 12

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Droitwich played their North Midlands Shield match against Ledbury under floodlights on Friday night, at the Memorial Ground and turned in a much improved performance than in recent weeks. It was also good to see the Spa side field a very young side and give some squad players a start.

The game started at a brisk pace with Matt Blackmore giving a lovely pass to Ross Coombes who burst through the defence to go on a blistering forty metre run to feed fellow centre Sean Walker to score.

Blackmore was again the creative force as his neatly weighted kick caused panic in the home defence for Walker to bag his second.

The Droitwich pack applied pressure on Ledbury with Nick Godfrey and fellow veteran Jon Andrews enjoying excellent matches, although young back row forward Andy Manns played a majestic supporting role.

Good approach work allowed James Protherough to dive over. Shortly after Walker intercepted to gallop home for his hat-trick.

Ledbury hit back and pressured the Spa line, but excellent defence held them at bay, but Blackmore took a nasty blow and had to be replaced by Craig Burgess.

As the interval loomed Matt Jupp thundered forward, well supported by Harry Riley, to feed James Shewell to score Droitwich’s fifth try.

The second period saw Ledbury come back strongly to score two fine tries to close the gap, but this seemed to spur Droitwich to go up a gear. Good handling by Dean Goddard found the irrepressible Protherough in support to go over for his second. As the game neared its close Stevie Poke darted over for a typical try.

A satisfying win for Droitwich which sees their impressive season continue. Captain Goddard added “It was great to give a few of the younger lads a go, as well as the novelty of a game under lights. We will be focusing strongly on this competition.”

Nuneaton U15's 0 - Droitwich U15's 10

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Droitwich found themselves again on the road this weekend travelling to Nuneaton RFC for a fixture played in blustery conditions which made kicking and passing the ball all the more difficult.

Droitwich entered this game determined to put behind them the disappointments of previous weeks and focus on playing good attacking rugby. Nuneaton played their part in an enthralling game which both sides were determined to attack and defend with equal amounts of determination and grit.

The match started very evenly with both teams kicking for position, with Droitwich getting the better of Nuneaton, forcing them back into defending their try line with kicks into touch. Finally, the Droitwich pressure reaped rewards when after some concerted forward pressure Alex Moore directed the ball from the back of the scrum to Oliver Swift who kicked over the posts for a Droitwich drop goal and first points of the day.

Nuneaton responded with some heavy attacking play forcing Droitwich back towards their try line, but some outstanding rear guard defending eventually frustrated Nuneaton into giving away a penalty allowing Droitwich to clear their lines and set up another of their own attacks.

Droitwich continued to press for another score and were rewarded when a well executed move, which included almost all of the Droitwich team, saw Anton Preece burst through the Nuneaton defensive line to score a try for Droitwich, which Oliver Swift converted from a very difficult position on the field considering the wind conditions.

Both teams continued to trade possession and tactical kicks but without threatening either try line, the first half finally came to an end with the score Droitwich 10 - Nuneaton 0.

The second half started much the same way as the first finished with both teams looking for the next score. Droitwich continued to move the ball around the field with some excellent distribution from both forwards and backs pressing Nuneaton into full on defending for most of the half. Nuneaton’s only opportunity to score was dramatically foiled when on a rare break into the Droitwich half, Nuneaton completed a very slick move into the corner looking likely to score, when a three pronged defensive move by Droitwich forced the Nuneaton winger out over the side line just short of scoring.

Droitwich continued to frustrate Nuneaton with some dogged defending and were nearly rewarded for their tenacity when, after Droitwich cleared their lines, Nuneaton’s high return kick was collected by Jack Knight, who raced from one side of the pitch to the opposite corner for what looked like a certain try only to be pushed out by the last ditch Nuneaton defender.

The final acts of the game were played out on the Nuneaton ten yard line, with both teams trying to find an opening without success. The final score was Droitwich 10 - Nuneaton 0.

Coach's Comments: Man of the match goes to Ashley Davies for an outstanding display of committed rugby. Special mention must go to: George Bishop for handling and distribution of the ball; to Connor O’Donnell for some excellent tackling and catches in very difficult conditions; and Vince (Crazy Horse) for some very committed tackling.

Droitwich RFC U7's v Luctonians

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Droitwich Under 7’s travelled to Leominster on Sunday to play four competitive matches against their Luctonians counterparts.

Following an 11 – 11 draw and a narrow 9 – 8 defeat in the first two matches, Droitwich finished strongly to claim 13 – 11 and 8 - 6 victories in the final two matches.

Aran Foster led the way with 8 tries in the morning, followed closely by Adam Shaw who scored 6 on his birthday. The other contributors to a great morning of rugby were Jakob Terry with 5 tries; Archie Jones and Joe Corlett with 4 apiece; Harry Alldritt with 3; whilst Joseph Neale, Will Bishop, Nathan Joss and Ben Keepax scored 2 tries each. Miles Petit and William Blackledge completed the scoring by touching down for a try each.

Droitwich 8 - Silhillians 7

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Droitwich were, again, less than convincing on Saturday and had to rely on a late try by prop forward James Shewell to seal the victory. The victory sees the Spa side now guaranteed to finish in second place in Midlands Division 3 West (South), which will see them in a play off for promotion.

Playing into the strong gale in the first period, Droitwich got their tactics right, keeping the ball in the forwards, with running the clock down more of a priority than playing attacking rugby. Second row forward Matt Jupp was particularly effective as was veteran Nick Godfrey.

Droitwich did themselves no favours with the penalty count, giving away a string of infringements. Fortunately for the home side the visitors' kicker was unsuccessful with three relatively easy penalty attempts. Towards the end of the half more penalties allowed Silhillians to pressure the Droitwich line and go over for a try.

With the half time score at 7 nil the home side now had the wind on their backs and started the half confident of rapidly wiping out the arrears, although it must be said they never got out of second gear and a Duncan Hughes penalty was all they had to show as the game meandered. Some good running by Steve Poke and Craig Mortlemans gave Spa some momentum, but time and time again the passing was lazy and ineffective.

With time rapidly running out a good run by Phil Horton found Ross Coombes in support to pressure the visitors' line. Several times Sils infringed and Droitwich opted to take a lineout to set up attacking positions. Numerous times the forwards tried to breech the defence but the visitors' tackling was first rate, often driving Droitwich back in the tackle. After Dean Goddard had gone close Shewell picked the ball up and went for the line using his bulk to muscle over. Hughes was unsuccessful with the conversion, but yet again Droitwich had just done enough to hang onto victory.

Droitwich now turn their attentions to the North Midlands Shield, taking on Ledbury on Friday night at the Memorial Ground. Also they will have the end of season play off in their mind which would, if successful, take them into Midlands Division 2 West – the highest level the club have ever played at. Sean Walker commented after the game, “We never really got going today, but a win is a win. We now have the opportunity to reach Division 2 – a major milestone for the club.”

Earlsdon 13 - Droitwich 23

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Droitwich travelled to Coventry to face Earlsdon on Saturday, and came away with the points in a scrappy game, not helped by the difficult blustery conditions.

Strong running by second row Matt Jupp, who had a fine game on his return to first team action, set up a penalty opportunity that was gratefully accepted by outside half Duncan Hughes. Then a sniping break by Hughes from a scrum saw the veteran score under the posts and add the simple conversion.

Earlsdon then began to find some rhythm and reduced the lead with a penalty of their own, before Hughes added another effort to make the score 13 points to three at half time.

The second period saw Earlsdon again hit back, but time and time again the ball was stolen by the evergreen Nick Godfrey who enjoyed a superb match. The ball was then moved wide via a long pass from Jonny Critchlow to young winger Andy Vizor who raced home from 50 metres out to score his first league try. The home side hit back with a try, but Hughes had the last word with a further penalty success.

The win keeps Droitwich in second place in the league, and a promotion play off remains a real possibility. Hughes added after the match “We did some good things today. I thought we worked intelligently. The remaining games will be hard ones, but we are determined to sustain our form to the end.”

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