DROITWICH bowed out of the Intermediate Rugby Cup on Saturday with a disappointing 24-11 defeat at Ludlow.

Droitwich again began sluggishly conceding an early converted try, they did however begin to assert some control and forced the home side into an error under their own posts which Matt Blackmore duly converted.

Then followed Droitwich's best period only to be denied when Nick Godfrey was tackled without the ball preventing an almost certain score. There was a good case for a penalty try, but the referee deemed it a penalty offence for Blackmore to reduce the deficit to one point.

The second half saw Ludlow gain the upper hand, pinning Droitwich in their 22 to score two tries in quick succession. The visitors then hit back with a try through Leon Hopkins who was Spa's best player and always looked dangerous. Although at 19-11 Droitwich had to throw caution to the wind and attack, this however left gaps in the defence and Ludlow ran in another try.

Overall a disappointing display, but Droitwich did scrummage well and their backs showed signs of what they can produce.

n Bromyard secured a 22-5 victory when they visited Five Ways OE in second round of the Powergen Junior Cup.

They went ahead with a Piers Gaunt penalty before Five Ways edged in front with a try.

Bromyard, however, hit back with Nick Frost try which Gaunt converted.

Richard Mojer also touched down for a try which Gaunt converted before a good handling move by the backs led to Reg Dixon going over to complete the scoring.