Droitwich 27, Upton-on-Severn 7

DROITWICH completed their first double of the season in the Midlands Division Two West (South) on Saturday against their Worcestershire rivals.

Spa entered the second half of the season after a weather enforced winter break, having not played since December 15.

However, the form book was still in their favour having not lost a game since mid-September.

It was not to be easy though for Droitwich, who made life as difficult as possible with two yellow cards and a converted penalty try conceded all within the first five minutes.

Plenty of possession and territory was met with stern defence and this remained the story of the half as Spa looked to get there first score.

It took an excellent chip from Stephen Poke at the base of a ruck to get behind the defence, which could not cope with young try machine Ryan Hanley’s pace as he grounded the loose ball to score his eighth score in just 11 appearances this season.

Spa stepped up their game in the second half and started to break through their well-drilled opponents.

They ran in four touch downs with Matthew Barnes scoring the first.

Following a good break into the opposition half, the ball was shipped wide and Barnes showed great strength coming in from wide to cross the line despite the best efforts of the Upton defence.

The next 20 minutes saw Droitwich dominate and Craig Mortlemans scored a try to confirm their superiority.

Matthew Jupp then used his considerable frame to cross the line after a series of rucks had piled the pressure on the opposition to score a fourth try for Droitwich and secure a bonus point.

Despite four excellent tries Spa had been unable to convert any of them and the away side were only 13 points ahead meaning Upton were still only within a score from a bonus point themselves.

But the win was ensured when Rob Poke produce some fine skill to touch down for a converted effort.

Spa return to action this week as they visit Coventry-based Bedworth on Saturday (2.30pm start), as they look to extend there 11-game winning streak and put further pressure on the top two, Kennilworth and leaders Old Laurentians.