Droitwich Spa 11 Brackley 6

Powergen National Vase

A LAST gasp try by Ben Cottrell made sure Droitwich progressed into the fifth round of the Powergen Junior Vase at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday.

Cottrell's touch down two minutes from the full time whistle finally saw off a determined Brackley side that had doggedly defended its unbeaten record.

Droitwich produced a dominant display to overcome their opponents from Northamptonshire, but they lacked the cutting edge to brake down Brackley.

Droitwich go into the draw for the next round of the cup, which is set to be played on December 17.

Throughout the first half the hosts controlled the game. Phil Horton dominated the lineouts and Droitwich took advantage to force Brackley back into their own half.

However, the visitors went against the run of play to edge ahead with a penalty. Stung into action Droitwich wasted little time in replying. Matt Blackmore levelled the scores with a penalty after good work by Dean Goddard.

Blackmore made it 6-3 to Spa with his second kick but the game went into the second half evenly balanced.

Spa once again camped in Brackley's half, but they struggled to cut through their defence.

An opposition penalty pegged hosts back to 6-6, but they continued to pour forward in search of a scoring chance.

Droitwich stepped up another gear but found their opponents equal to their attacking attempts. Three times Spa were held up over the try line.

As the game wore on Spa's frustration grew but with the final minutes ticking away Cottrell made the all-important breakthrough.

Captain Nick Godfrey stole the ball off Brackley and started a move that saw Steve Poke and Steve Murphy combine to set Cottrell free to crash in for a try and settle Spa's nerves.

Droitwich return to action in the Midlands Division Four West (South) on Saturday for a home clash against Shipston on Stour (2.15pm start).

Spa will be looking to battle on for a promotion place after two weeks off from league action.