DROITWICH played host to the previously undefeated Earlsdon and recorded a well-deserved 20-12 victory in Midlands Three West (South).

The home side started the game with great intensity, immediatly putting the visitors under a great deal of pressure and dominated the early exchanges.

This resulted in Earlsdon being unable to get away from their own line. The pressure eventually told and a fine miss-pass from Critchlow allowed Blackmore to squeeze over in the corner. Hughes added the difficult conversion.

Earlsdon regrouped and showed the hosts what they were capable of, scoring a well-taken try following and quick tap penalty that caught the home side unaware.

Droitwich were soon back into the groove, though, and good tactical play from Hughes and Cottrell kept the visitors pegged back deep in their own half.

The hosts were rewarded with a penalty which Hughes slotted over to give them a 10-5 half-time lead.

The second period started with Spa on top again with Horton and Davies having strong games in the fowards and the lineout also working well.

Another penalty was awarded and Hughes took full advantage to extend the home side's lead. Droitwich were well on top, but were guilty of scuppering a number of good chances before a neat chip by Blackmore allowed Strutt to gather and touch down for a converted try. With time running out, Earlsdon, to their credit, scored another well-taken try following a lapse in Spa's concentration.

n Droitwich Under 17s picked up an excellent 33-22 win at local rivals Bromsgrove Under 17s. Will Baillon (two), Harry Baillie, Chris Rouse and Jake Rainford scored for Droitwich, while Bobby Scott-Walker kicked four convertions.

n The Under 14s also won at Bromsgrove, recording a 13-5 verdict. Oliver Hughes-Clark and Curtis Tonks scored the tries and Oliver Price added a penalty.

n The Under 13s completed the hat-trick for the youngsters with a 19-12 victory. Ed Burke, Alex Dowson and Jack Coulter crossed over.