Droitwich 10 Hereford 55

Midlands Division One West (South)

DROITWICH'S hopes of a moral boosting victory over high-flying Hereford were short lived as Spa crashed to a heavy defeat at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Director of rugby Julian Bailey had been hoping to take advantage of their Derby rival's inconsistent away form.

However, after a competitive first half Hereford let loose in the second period.

Bailey said: "We could not match Hereford.

"They are a good side and couldn't compete with them on the day."

Spa went into the game without prop Matt Jupp because of suspension.

Nick Godfrey had done his best to give his side a chance with two tries in the first half, but Matt Blackmore missed both conversions.

From then on promotion chasing Hereford ran out comfortable winners.

Bailey though has urged his side to try and get points from the next four matches.

However, Spa face a difficult start to their end of season run-in away at leaders Barker Butts on March 12.

Droitwich then take on Stratford (April 2) away and Shipston-on-Stour at home on April 9, before going to Old Yardleians for the final game of the season on April 23.

Bailey said: "We can get some points out of these games if we play to our best.

"Three of the sides are mid-table and a more realistic bet for points compared to Hereford.

"If we could have beaten Hereford that would have been an unexpected bonus.

"But we have four games left and let's see what we can do."

Droitwich are trying to arrange a friendly for this Saturday as their North Midlands Cup game against Bromsgrove, which had been scheduled for this week, has been moved provisionally to March 18.