DROITWICH Spa under-13s put in a stellar performance to claim the Newbury Blues national 12-a-side tournament.

The squad were inspired after a tour around Northampton’s ground after watching their match against Worcester Warriors, where England lock Courtney Lawes took part in a question and answer session.

Spa’s young guns also spoke to England hooker Dylan Hartley during a tour of the gym.

Droitwich entered three teams in Newbury’s tournament, which saw teams of six forwards and six backs playing.

Two Spa B sides shared second-place after a testing round-robin tournament.

Spa’s A team improved after a slow start and won all their pool matches as well as seeing off the hosts 15-0 to reached the final, where they saw off Ealing 24-0, with Matt Dickens scoring a brace.

Coach Adam Drew said: “All the hard work put in by the players and coaches made it a fitting climax to another enjoyable and successful season for this fine young squad.”

Meanwhile, the under-nines were named the club’s mini team-of-the-year.

The side were in a class of their own this year and finish the season undefeated.

The boys played 30 matches, winning 28 and drawing two, both of which were 0-0 affairs at the Banbury tournament.

The young team scored 195 tries and kept 22 clean sheets, as well as winning the tournaments at Silhillians and Luctonians without conceding.

They won the plate at the Banbury tournament without conceding and only missed out on winning the Cup due to the two draws.

The Saxons B side saw off teams from Evesham, Wolverhampton, Malvern, Stourbridge, Dudley and Cheltenham at the Luctonians ABOVE: Strong side: Droitwich Spa under-13s won the Newbury Blues national 12-a-side tournament. Back row (left to right) : Sam Draper; Cam Dipple; Dion King; Nat Nott; Dan Hodnett; Duncan Drew; James Smalley; Olly Thwaites. Front row: Euan Short; Matt Dickens; Luke Penn; Rhys Samuel; Aaron Hinkley.