AS British sport heads for a new millenium the debate of tradition against progress comes to the forefront.

Even such great bastions as Wembley Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park have been untouched by the progress.

The homes of both English football and Welsh rugby are being rebuilt into modern super-stadia fit to host World Cups. Football's millions has also led to a host of top clubs making ambitious moves to new grounds leaving behind cherished memories for the dreams of tomorrow.

Rugby, too, has been quick to follow suit leaving old bases for ground shares both with football clubs, such as Richmond at Reading, and with each other, such as London Scottish playing at the Stoop, home of Harlequins.

Even Bath are contemplating leaving their famous Recreation Ground if they are unable to get council backing for their expansion plans. But closer to home a quieter revolution has been taking place at a ground earning the affectionate title of 'Little Sixways.'

Its real name is the Glyn Mitchell Memorial ground and since the summer move it has been the home of Droitwich Rugby Club.

The move was prompted by developers who spotted old home off the Alcester Road as ripe for new housing so £3.2m deal saw them move half a mile up the road.

By August a new clubhouse was ready for an assault on the North Midlands One championship and so far results have been spectacular. Any lingering for the past can be easily dismissed by a record of played seven won seven, the only unbeaten record in the division.

And club captain John Andrews said the plush new home has played a major part in the club's perfect start.

''Everybody has taken on a more professional attitude this season and the new ground has a lot to do with it,'' said the 27-year-old number eight.

''There's a lot more training taking place and because we've got better lights people are more likely to get involved. I just hope we can get the momentum going but it's certainly a little different from the last time I was captain five years ago. I had just joined from Worcester and we lost every single league game.''

The impetus created by the new ground has also coincided with the emergence of some talented young backs.

Winger Leon Hopkins has progressed through the club's junior ranks while on the other flank Royston Walters is a new convert from football.

They have built up a useful understanding with full-back Rob McLean and together the trio have scored 14 league tries in seven games.

Nobody will forget rugby's past but it seems Droitwich are showing an eye on the future can reap great dividends.

Monday, November 16, 1998.