AN impressive debut from full-back Chris Hooper failed to save Droitwich from a sixth straight league defeat - a result that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table.

The youngster, who has been playing his rugby with Worcester's Academy and University sides, linked up with the Spa side last week and showed some fine skills against their visitors in horrendous conditions.

Director of rugby Julian Bailey is now looking forward to some better weather so that his new addition can show off his complete range of skills.

"Chris had an excellent game in dreadful conditions," Bailey said. "He showed a safe pair of hands and his tactical kicking was superb. He also has pace but we weren't able to see that on Saturday because of the rain."

The conditions ensured the game was a scrappy encounter won by the team that adapted to conditions best.

An even first half saw both teams make handling errors but it was Old Sills who made the breakthrough on the half our when, after a good period of pressure camped on the Droitwich five metre line, they finally forced their way over with a rolling maul. The try was converted to give the visitors a 7-0 advantage at the break.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first with both teams trying to capitalise on the other's errors.

After a spell of pressure in the Droitwich half it would be the visitors who would add to the scoreline with a penalty.

Old Sills killed the game off 20 minutes into the half with a second try, as they found a gap in the back line to run the ball in beneath the posts. The conversion made it 17-0, a lead they were to maintain despite Gareth Knight's efforts late on when he went close following a superb solo run.

The Spa side may remain at the foot of the table but Bailey was encouraged by the spirit shown by the players.

"We may have lost but it was the best performance of the season by the lads," the director of rugby said. "The result was disappointing but I was pleased by our play. The signs were good and we are beginning to play as a team."

Droitwich travel to Bedworth this weekend, the side one place above them in the league. But Bailey believes it will be another tough test for his players.

"Bedworth are a side that came down from the league above and they are going to be a tough team to beat."

Droitwich have lost two points after fielding a played before he had been registered.

But because the team have yet to pick up their first point of the season, it means the table now shows them in arrears!

Bailey said he error arose when one of the Colts made his first team debut two days before his registration was ready.

"It was a genuine mistake," he said. "It is frustrating because it is the genuine mistakes that get caught. What makes it harsh is that we didn't even win the game and yet we have been docked the points."