WORCESTER Wanderers won the battle of the Midlands Two West (South) unbeaten records with a thrilling 17-16 victory over local rivals Droitwich.

The Sixways side maintained their position at the top of the table with a keenly-fought triumph at the expense of second-placed Spa.

In a full-blooded derby, both sides played with purpose and commitment and the large crowd were thoroughly entertained.

In the first-half, Wanderers’ dominant scrum put constant pressure on the Droitwich defence.

Two tries, one each from Jake Saddington and the irrepressible Tim Fincher, both converted by Greg Fincher, to a James Metcalfe penalty for Droitwich gave Wanderers a comfortable, but hard-earned, half-time lead.

The second-half began in the same vein, with Wanderers stretching their lead through a penalty from Greg Fincher.

However, Droitwich refused to give in and came roaring back with two Metcalfe penalties to rattle the visiting team’s composure.

In the last quarter of the game, Wanderers were reduced to 14 men when Richard Ralph was sin-binned.

Jack Pons scored a converted try to bring Droitwich to within a point of their rivals.

Back to a full complement of players for the final minutes, Wanderers, with their scrum in the ascendancy, held on for another fine away victory.