DROITWICH go into Christ-mas in top spot in Midlands Four West (South) after a 32-5 win at Shipston-on-Stour.

They had the advantage of the slope in the first period on what was a very heavy pitch but it was the home side who started more brightly, pressurising the Droitwich line.

The visitors defence held firm until a clever move saw Shipston squeeze home to take the lead.

That seemed to spur Droitwich into life with a clean catch at a line-out being driven forward for hooker Dan Protherough to get the touch down.

From the re-start, the ball was moved into midfield. Sean Walker put in a neat chip for full-back Ben Cotterell to outpace the covering defence for the score. Duncan Hughes added the conversion.

The second-half saw Droitwich increase the tempo and extend their lead with a penalty from the reliable Hughes.

Then a slick backs move saw centre Ross Coombes make an incisive break to link with Teddy Jones to score.

Good forward play featuring Jon Andrew, Jim Richardson and James Shewell saw Phil Horton in space to race over to add to the Droitwich score.

There was plenty of good rugby played and the tireless James Davies had an excellent afternoon. Jones received the ball out wide and scorched home for his second of the afternoon.

It completed a satisfying display by Droitwich and leaves them two points clear at the top of the table.

Full-back Cotterell is pleased with his side's performance in the league so far but insists there is still a long way to go before they start thinking about titles.

He said: "We're delighted to be at the top of the league at the half-way stage. We will certainly enjoy the festive period but know the job is far from being done."

Droitwich Under 13s were too strong for a spirited Hereford side as they ran out 39-7 winners.

First-half tries by Alex Bradnick (three) and Josh Skinner, with two conversions by Oliver Price, gave Droit-wich a 24-7 lead at the interval.

In the second half, two more from Skinner and one from Oliver Hughes-Clarke completed the win.