Cleobury Mortimer 17 Droitwich 31

Midlands Division Four West (South)

DROITWICH took a big step forward to securing fourth place in the Midlands Division Four West (South) by getting the better of Cleobury Mortimer on Saturday.

Spa moved to within a point of Cleobury Mortimer to leave them in the driving seat to finish in fourth place.

With Droitwich entertaining Cleobury in the reverse fixture at the Glynn Mitchell Memorial Stadium this Saturday (3pm start), Droitwich would expect to be slight favourites for fourth place.

On Saturday Droitwich always looked in control as the team made it two wins in a row.

With hooker Dean Goddard in good form Droitwich's pack had the better of the match. Prop Ben Thomas and Craig Burgess combined to allow Chris Hooper to touch down for a try, which Steve Poke converted.

Burgess powered Droitwich further ahead when he touched down.

Spa's opponents hit back with two tries but Droitwich were able to step up a gear.

James Davies and Paul Sweeney won a line out and allowed captain Nick Godfrey the space to set up Leon Hopkins to power through Cleobury's defence and touch down.

In the second half Droitwich controlled the game and Jon Andrews crossed the try line to complete the scoring.

Spa continued to dominate the game with slick build up play, as the team marked a timely return to form after a lean few months

Spa go into their final two league matches full of confidence. With Saturday's home game against Cleobury and a trip to struggling Shipston-on-Stour in the final fixture on Saturday, April 1, the team will be aiming to seal a top four place.

Droitwich's North Midlands Shield quarter final match at home to Kidderminster has been pencilled in for Saturday, April 8.

The clash was originally organised for last Saturday but was replaced by the re-arranged match against Cleobury.