Coventry Marconi 15 Droitwich Spa 24

Midlands Division Four West South

DROITWICH ended their losing streak in the Midlands Division Four West (South) by defeating Coventry Marconi on Saturday.

Victory ended Spa's three-match losing run and ignited hopes that they can still finish in the top four.

Saturday's win over the bottom side ensured that Droitwich remain two points behind fourth placed Berkswell and Balsall with a game in hand yet to be played.

Droitwich produced an improved display to dispatch hard working Coventry.

Despite not producing a convincing performance, victory and the fact four tries were scored, would have boosted the Spa squad's confidence for the rest of the season.

The home side opened the scoring with a drop goal but Chris Hooper put Droitwich ahead when he scored a try, which he converted himself.

Droitwich increased the pressure and Richard Pedley and Paul Sweeney combined to set up James Davies for a try. Hooper converted to stretch Droitwich's lead to 14-3.

Spa though was pegged back when Marconi drove over after winning a lineout.

In the second half Droitwich continued to take the game to the home side but could not find the final pass to kill them off.

Hooper and Jon Andrews bagged late tries to give the visitors a 24-8 lead.

Despite their opponents grabbing a late try Droitwich held on for a vital win.

The Midlands Division Four West (South) is set to be increased from ten teams to 12 by the RFU for the 2006/2007 season.

The champions from the Warwickshire One and North Midlands Division One (South) will go into the Division Four West South. The runners-up from the divisions will play off for the third promotion spot into the division.

l Spa will be looking to take the next step to winning some silverware when they take on Worcester Wanderers in the North Midlands Shield at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium on Saturday, February 25.