DROITWICH'S Twickenham dream came to an end when they were defeated 23-9 by a talented Cullompton side in the sixth round of the EDF Senior Vase.

In blustery conditions, the visitors started brightly using their mobile pack to run at Droitwich and made good ground. The home side, though, kept plugging away and making yardage through good runs by Dean Goddard and Phil Horton.

Droitwich won a penalty and reliable fly-half Duncan Hughes added the three points. A typically strong run by Jonny Critchlow found Nick Godfry in support, but he could not quite get the pass away, for what would have been an almost certain score.

Cullompton hit back with a penalty of their own, before quick ball from a scrum was passed down the line.

Droitwich allowed the attackers too much space and the pacey left winger breezed over unopposed. The home side then hit back with two more Hughes penalties.

The second-half was always going to be difficult for the Spa team, playing into the stiff breeze, but their cause was not helped by constantly kicking away possession, especially bearing in mind the visitors had a fast and talented back three.

Another two penalties from Cullompton saw them stretch their lead, before an aimless kick by the home side saw the visitors counter attack and go the length of the pitch to score the decisive try.

Droitwich came back strongly in the last few minutes, but it was too little, too late as they pounded the visitors' line, but were unable to cross it.

Overall the best side won, but if Droitwich had taken their chances and not insisted on kicking away too much possession, they may have faired better.

After the game, captain Dean Goddard said: "We are naturally very disappointed, but we are second in the league and have everything to play for.

"We will put this setback behind us."