DROITWICH claimed a morale-boosting win as they beat Shrewsbury in the first round of the North Midlands Cup

The visitors took a large following with them to Shropshire and delighted their fans with a victory to help lift spirits following the departure of coach Travis McIntyre.

Droitwich gave debuts to promising youngsters James Shewell and Graig Goode and also drafted in veterans Ade Spencer and Ian Williams as they fielded a much-changed side keen to halt their losing run.

They began brightly with youngster Steven Poke touching down in the corner after only 10 minutes.

Shrewsbury hit back with two tries in quick reply but Droitwich went in at halftime with a considerable lead after tries from Ben Coteril and veteran prop Paul Bowditch put them back in control. Skipper Matt Blackmore kicked the two conversions to give Droitwich a 19-10 advantage at the break.

The second half began with a well-worked Shrewsbury try which was converted. But Droitwich hit back through the hard work of back row forward Ben Thomas who broke three tackles to power over from 15 yards.

Blackmore endured a woeful kicking display in the second half failing to convert Thomas' try and Jamie Faulkener's stunning solo effort in addition to missing numerous penalties.

Droitwich were still in control though and held Shrewsbury at bay until late into the second half when they scored a try under the posts which was duly converted.

Another try deep into injury time gave the home side a chance to tie the game with the conversion but the pressure proved too much.