DROITWICH pulled off a nerve-jangling victory to beat Old Yardleians 17-8 and clinch promotion from Midlands Division Four West (South) as runners up.

They went into the game needing to win by eight points to leapfrog Old Yardleians into runners up position and from the start the game was a battle between Droitwich's 15-man style and Old Yards big driving forwards.

The initial exchanges were won by the visitors who scored but failed to convert.

Droitwich hit back with two well struck penalties by outside half Matt Blackmore who extended the lead with two more just before the interval.

Old Yards pulled back the deficit with a penalty. Droitwich then knew they had to score and when Leon was hauled down 20 meters short, 18-year-old second row Phil Horton gathered the ball on the run and charged for the line, out sprinting two defenders in the process.

Droitwich stayed strong and their defence held firm, with Jon Andrews, Nick Irwin and Jim McKeow particularly impressive, until the final whistle.

* Kidderminster Carolians were forced to settle for fourth place in Midlands Three West (North) after a 32-14 defeat at Burton who claimed third spot.

Carolians had beaten Burton 19-7 at home in November but their form has dipped since New Year winning just two of seven league matches and Saturday's match followed a similar pattern

Winger Ben Stirling gave KCs an eighth minute lead under the posts converted by Andy Stooksbury before two Burton penalties reduced the arrears.

KCs scored what proved to be their final points with a second try through Lloyd Jones which Stooksbury again converted to make it 14-6.

Burton scored a converted try to end up just one point short, 14-13, at the interval and added three more tries in the second half as KCs challenge collapsed to round off a season of mixed fortunes.

* Kidderminster Carolians 3rds lost 18-15 to Ashbourne with Martyn Wright scoring two tries including a lovely chip over the Asbourne defence.