Spa young guns impress at rivals

With a number of players unavailable, the Spa side were forced into several changes.

Coach Danny Protherough acted as an emergency scrum-half and teenager Dave Edwards made his senior debut in the back row.

Matt Blackmore captained the side in the absence of Dean Goddard.

The home side started positively and kicked an early penalty.

But Droitwich hit back with good running by full-back Ian Bartlett and winger Craig Mortlemans.

An infringement gave Blackmore the opportunity to level the score with a well-struck effort from 40 metres.

Then a long pass by Blackmore found Mark Strutt and he linked with Nick Godfrey, who fed Nick Lebotschy before he was hauled down short of the line.

Phil Horton gathered to muscle his way over to score the first try of the game.

Droitwich had further attempts to extend their lead but Blackmore had a poor day with his kicking.

Playing into a stiff breeze in the second period, the visitors had their work cut out but tackled excellently.

However, a slick move saw Kidderminster free up space and stretch the Droitwich defence to go ahead with a converted try.

The visitors had to up their work-rate and threaten the home line. A fine line-out take by Jack Clarke saw Protherough link with Horton, who burst through to race under the posts for his second try.

Sean Walker then added another after good work from Jack Pomroy, James Protherough, Blackmore and James Shewell. With time running out, the hosts hit back strongly and stole a line-out on the Droitwich line to charge over.

This set up a nerve-jangling final few minutes for Spa but Pomroy put the result beyond doubt, speeding 50 metres to score after Godfrey secured turn-over ball.

Droitwich climbed to fourth after an excellent display from the young line-up.

Centre Strutt said: “Our backs were against the wall for long periods but our fighting spirit has never been in doubt.

“We worked hard for each other and came away with an impressive win. We will use this to kick-start our season.”