Spa rolled over by Dunlop (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Spa rolled over by Dunlop

8:00am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in Local

Dunlop 17, Droitwich 13

DROITWICH suffered their first defeat in 12 games in the Midlands Division Three West (South) after a below par display at Dunlop.

Spa could have used several excuses after a poor result, but credit must be given to Dunlop whose game management saw them emerge as the winners.

On another day the result could easily have gone the away side’s way.

A few controversial and unexplained decisions did leave Spa scratching their heads at times, however, Dunlop's clinical kicker was worthy of all the points he collected from the penalties awarded.

These kicks were to prove the difference as Spa outscored the opposition two tries to one.

Both tries were scored in the first half and were excellently finished by backs Craig Mortlemans and Stef Buijnsters.

Despite these efforts, the visitors struggled to put Dunlop under sustained pressure and injuries to Mortlemans (jaw), Ian Young (knee) and Ryan Handley (leg) further hampered their tempo.

A second half, Bobby Scott-Walker penalty was all that Spa could muster despite going close several times and Dunlop held on to take the narrow victory.

Spa have faced many challenges during the season already, but perhaps the biggest test will be faced now as they will need to react to their first defeat since September 2012.

All is not lost as they still have to face the top two during their ten remaining league fixtures.

They return to action in the league on Saturday, February 16 (2.15pm ko).