DRFC News from April 2008

Droitwich RFC News from April 2008

Droitwich Under 7's win Stratford Tournament

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Well done to our magnificent squad of ten—Will Bishop, Adam Shaw, Joseph Neale, Aran Foster, James Webster, William Blackledge, Jakob Terry, Ben Lee, Harry Alldritt and Joe Corlett—who emerged victorious from the Stratford Tournament on 27th April.

The boys played “out of their skins” to achieve a well deserved victory - they were a credit to themselves, their parents and the club as a whole. It was a great team effort from all ten players who can feel very proud of their performances in Stratford. Tagging was absolutely superb and the cornerstone to our victory, with the number of tries scored also proving to be crucial.

Our results in Group 2 were as follows:

vs. Daventry: Won 7 - 5

Try scorers: Aran Foster 2, Adam Shaw 2, Will Bishop 1, Joseph Neale 1, Joe Corlett 1.

Special mention for William Blackledge who played for Daventry when they were a player short, and even scored a try for them as well!

vs Bromsgrove 'A': Won 7 - 5

Try Scorers: Joseph Neale 2, Adam Shaw 1, Aran Foster 1, James Webster 1, Jakob Terry 1, Ben Lee 1.

vs. Cheltenham 'B': Won 6 - 2

Try scorers: Joseph Neale 2, Will Bishop 2, Joe Corlett 1, James Webster 1.

vs. Stratford Lions: Won 4 - 1
Try Scorers: Adam Shaw 2, James Webster 1, Joseph Neale 1.

We therefore went through as Group Winners to the Semi-final.

vs Bromsgrove 'B': Won 5 -1
Try Scorers: Adam Shaw 4, Ben Lee 1.

Final vs. Cheltenham 'A': Drew 4 - 4
Try Scorers: Ben Lee 2, Adam Shaw 1, Joseph Neale 1.

After an anxious wait we were told that we were to be crowned Tournament Winners based on tries scored throughout the whole event. We had scored 33 compared to Cheltenham's 29 and wild celebrations resulted from a jubilant group of players and parents.

Droitwich 3 - Stoke on Trent 18

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Droitwich failed in their attempt to gain promotion to Midlands Division Two—going down 18 points to three at the Memorial Ground to an efficient Stoke on Trent side.

What will disappoint Droitwich the most is not so much the result, but more the manner of their defeat. They never got into the game, and certainly failed to secure very much quality possession, and what they did get they often squandered.

Playing into the stiff breeze in the first period Droitwich looked clumsy and nervous, and it was the visitors who made the running, although the home defence was strong with Nick Godfrey, Phil Horton and James Davies making some good tackles. All too often, however, Droitwich infringed and gave away penalties, and were fortunate that the Stoke kicker had an off day, slotting only one of his four first half attempts.

The one bright spark during the first period was a fine break by full back Critchlow, who raced forty metres before linking with Steve Poke, who then found Sean Walker who was tackled into touch five metres from the visitors’ line. Droitwich though could not maintain this pressure, giving away a penalty to allow Stoke to relieve the pressure. With the clock running down on the half Stoke laid siege to the Spa line, forcing a series of scrums before eventually muscling their way over for a try.

Turning round at eight to nil Droitwich must have believed they could use the strong wind to gain territory and the initial exchanges belonged to the home side as Duncan Hughes slotted a penalty.

More pressure saw Droitwich go close, but the Stoke defence was good and Droitwich were often guilty of choosing wrong options and sloppy passing. Poke and Jon Andrews both went close but could not quite get over the line.

A long kick from the visitors relieved the pressure, Critchlow fielded the ball and ran out of defence, but a wayward pass was not dealt with by the Spa midfield allowing the Stoke right wing to gather the ball, sprint down the field and score under the posts.

This was a body blow for Droitwich who, for the first time in the match, had threatened to get out of second gear and make a game of it. Just to add insult to injury Droitwich were penalised, only for some back chat to see the free kick upgraded to a penalty for the visitors to increase their lead. It was now a lost cause and Droitwich tried everything to get back on terms, but to be honest never really looked like scoring.

The final whistle brought the curtain down on a failed promotion bid, and it must be said the better side won, but Droitwich will be disappointed they could not produce some of the quality rugby they have shown at times during the season—a sentiment echoed by retiring, veteran outside half Duncan Hughes, “We are obviously very disappointed. There was a large crowd today and we failed to deliver. We have an awful lot of young players so I am sure this experience will make us come back stronger next year.”

Excitement builds as Droitwich RFC head for the biggest game in their history

Monday, April 21, 2008

Droitwich RFC have secured the runners-up spot in Midlands Three West (South) this season and now have a chance to earn promotion to Midlands Two.

We must now play Stoke-on-Trent RFC on Saturday 26th April at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground in a winner-takes-all play-off. Stoke took second place in neighbouring league Midlands Three West (North).

This will be the biggest game in the club's history and if successful will mean the club playing at its highest level since its foundation in 1972.

Because of the importance of this game the club wants as many people as possible to come and give their support—not only from members, but from the local community as well. The aim is to fill the club with as many people as possible to cheer the club on and make a memorable day for the town and everyone associated with us.

Our fully licensed bar will be open all day. Food will be available as will light refreshments.

Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

Droitwich U15's 22 - Kidderminster U15's 7

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Droitwich under 15’s last game of the season saw them on their travels again for a final visit to Kidderminster RFC. This fixture was a fitting end to a Droitwich season which has been through some highs and lows against a Kidderminster side which is growing in confidence and eager to test themselves against a strong Droitwich side.

The first half started as you would expect with both teams testing out each other with forwards pressing for dominance in the close combat of the forward line, and the backs displaying an expansive flowing style of rugby, eager to please a large but cold crowd of parents and supporters of both teams.

The half settled down into a predicable rhythm with Droitwich forwards dominating the scrum and lineout play forcing Kidderminster back, which ended with Sam O’Brien diving over for the first score of the game.

From the restart Droitwich continued to press Kidderminster with some expansive forward play giving quick ball to the backs, dodging and weaving through some committed tackling from Kidderminster, recycling the ball through a number of phases forcing Kidderminster back to their try line, only to have Droitwich turn the ball over giving a scrum to Kidderminster. From the scrum Droitwich took the advantage to steal the ball with Anton Preece taking the initiative to score Droitwich’s second try of the half which Oliver Swift converted.

For the remainder of the half Droitwich continued to press for more scoring opportunities but a resolute Kidderminster defence held them at bay, the final score of the first half was Droitwich 12 - Kidderminster 0.

The second half saw a determined Kidderminster press Droitwich back to their own try line, but some resolute defence by all members of the team kept Kidderminster from scoring. As the half moved on Droitwich pressure again paid dividends with Sam O’Brien cutting through for his second try of the game.

From the restart Kidderminster moved the ball down the field determined to place a score of their own and were rewarded when they were given a penalty try after some loose play by Droitwich. This sparked Droitwich into life and from the kick-off set about increasing their try tally for the match. After a strength sapping drive from the forwards, the backs took control passing the ball through a number of well planned moves until new boy Elliot Rich lunged over for his first try for Droitwich.

As the game came to a close Droitwich pressed for more scoring opportunities only to have Elliot’s second try pulled back for a foot in touch. The final score was Droitwich 22 - Kidderminster 7.

Man of the Match: Vince (Crazy Horse) for an outstanding all round performance.

Special Mentions go to: Alex Moore for an inspiring first half performance; to George Bishop for a controlled performance at fly half; and to James Phipps for a great performance at second row and around the pack.

Coach’s congratulation to the whole squad for an excellent season, looking forward to seeing you all at the player’s dinner.

Leamington 3 - Droitwich 11

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Droitwich travelled to Leamington on Saturday and produced a very efficient display to round off their league season with a win. The Spa side rested a few players ahead of next week’s promotion play off against Stoke on Trent, and fielded an exceptionally young side, with fourteen players under twenty-six years of age.

Droitwich started brightly with the tearaway back row of Phil Horton, James Davies and Andy Manns getting stuck in to supply good ball for half backs Steve Poke and Matt Blackmore to orchestrate proceedings.

Pressure led to an infringement to allow Blackmore the chance to kick a good penalty in difficult, windy conditions. The lead was doubled with a far simpler effort shortly afterwards.

The home side rallied to pressure the Droitwich line but the defence was excellent, with Davies and Dylan Jones being particularly effective in the tackle. Droitwich then lost the influential Poke with a nasty facial injury and were forced to re-organise with Ross Coombes moving to scrum half.

The second period saw Droitwich strengthen their grip on the game with the home side never really looking like threatening the Spa line. A clever kick by Coombes was chased by Simon Pearce, who raced forward to gather the ball and crash over in the corner.

As the game wore on Droitwich were happy to play for territory, mainly through the boot of Blackmore, who had an excellent game in the unfamiliar position of outside half. James Shewell made some powerful surges forward as did winger Mark Strutt.

The Droitwich coaching team will be very happy with the performance ahead of next week’s play-off game. Coach Dan Protherough added, “We came away and produced another good performance. Our tackling and general defence was first rate.”

Droitwich U15's 12 - Old Patesians U15's 24

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Droitwich entertained Old Patesians on Sunday. The expectation around this fixture was visible from the start with Old Pats determined to rectify the result at their ground where Droitwich came away with a win.

Both teams came out fighting with some heated exchanges in the centre of the field. Old Pats took advantage of some turnover ball to dive in under the posts for the first try and conversion of the game.

From the kick-off Old Pats were determined to press their advantage and were rewarded with a second try and conversion.

Droitwich then seemed to wake up and started to play some expansive rugby, creating a number of chances of their own and continued to press Old Pats into some desperate defending and positional kicking. The half ended when Droitwich spilled the ball allowing Old Pats to kick to touch, with a half time score Droitwich 0 - Old Pats 14.

The second half continued in the same mode as the end of the first with Droitwich pressing Old Pats into a defensive line and were rewarded when Jack Knight carved through to score Droitwich’s first try of the game.

The game then set into a pattern with Droitwich pressing to score again and Old Pats defending their lead. Droitwich turned this pressure into more points when Anton Preece charged over for a try and Oliver Swift completed the score with the conversion.

The game was now evenly poised at 12 to 14 in favour of Old Pats. The game became an end to end struggle with both sides pressing for a score which could close out the game.

After some heavy pressure and some unusual penalty awards Old Pats forwards piled over in the corner for a try to give them a 19 to 12 lead going into the last few minuets of the game.

As the clock ticked down, a strange call gave Old Pats position and ball in the Droitwich corner—the resulting line out allowed Old Pats to push over the line to score the final and decisive try of the game. The final score was Droitwich 12 - Old Pats 24.

Coach’s special mentions go to Andy Geoghegan and Nathan Rewbury. Man of the match was Anton Preece.

Droitwich 34 - Stourbridge Lions 12

Saturday, April 12, 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.”

Droitwich Rugby Football Club

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