PROMOTION is still very much on the cards for Droitwich Spa RFC First XV after a 22-13 victory over Earlsdon last Saturday.

Julian Bailey's side produced another solid performance, leading 22-3 at one stage, to keep third place in Midlands Four West (South) and leave them just two points behind leaders Shipston-on-Stour.

Spa's director of rugby said: "We started of really well once again, playing good controlled rugby. We spent most of the second half defending but we never really thought we would lost the game."

The Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground side now has three games left in the campaign, all at two-intervals, against Old Halesonians, Marconi Coventry and Old Yardleians.

And Bailey knows how important every kick is now if his side are to go one better than last year's third position and win promotion.

He said: "They are all must wins and we have to come away with the two points. If we slip up now it would be a shame because of all the hard work we have done. The lads know they can do it."

Skipper Simon Mountjoy, filling in for the injured Matt Blackmore, started a changed Droitwich side off with a penalty kick last Saturday.

Spa, fielding several youngsters, who all gave impressive displays, scored their first try when Jamie Faulkener collected the ball in his own and ran through into the corner. The conversion was missed.

Following a successful Earlsdon penalty, Phil Horton went over for a Mountjoy converted try to give Spa a 15-3 half time lead.

That soon became 22-3 with a Lee Mortlock try early in the second half, ably converted again by the captain.

Spa were then put on the back foot for long periods and conceded to late unconverted tries to run out 22-13 winners.

Droitwich travel to Malvern Seconds in a friendly match this Saturday.

Their next legaue game is a home encounter with Old Halesonians on Saturday, March 15.

Elsewhere last Saturday, the Seconds were beaten 19-12 at home by Evesham.