DROITWICH got the better of local rivals Redditch with victory at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday.

Both teams were neck and neck in the title race last season but it's Droitwich who look to make further progress this season as Redditch continue to suffer.

In wet conditions Droitwich initially struggled to contain a lively Redditch pack, whose robust approach seemed to unsettle the home side.

As the game wore on Droitwich seemed to find some of their usual composure, but still seemed to lack their usual spark.

A good break from the blind side wing by Leon Hopkins opened up the defence for him to link with other winger Jamie Faulkener to score. Blackmore converted. Redditch hit back with a penalty, before Blackmore added another to make the half time score 10-3.

The second half was also scrappy with Redditch going close on a number of occasions, the Droitwich defence, however, held firm. As the half wore on Droitwich seemed to become the stronger side and added two Blackmore penalties to complete the scoring.

Overall Droitwich were far from their best, but will be glad to have gained two points from this tricky local derby.