DIRECTOR of rugby Adam Drew says Droitwich’s past successes will count for nothing when they renew their battles with rivals Evesham tomorrow (Saturday).
The Salt Boys will be seeking a seventh win in seven league starts in the Midlands Two West (South) when they head to Evesham’s Blind Lane HQ.
Last season, Droitwich prevailed in both league meetings and the North Midlands Vase cup tie as both teams secured promotion. But having praised the Salt Boys’ ‘gritty performance’ in overcoming Earlsdon 35-14 last weekend despite being down to 14 men, Drew stressed such determination and will-to-win will be crucial against Evesham.
“We played them three times last season and won each time but that won’t count for anything this Saturday,” said Drew.
“If we go out thinking we can just turn up and win, we will get beat. Evesham are a very good side, they will be tough opponents.”
So too were Coventry hosts Earlsdon last week but Drew was delighted to see the Salt Boys come through. Having had to shuffle the team through injuries, and then having scrum-half Sean Walker dismissed for two yellow card offences, Droitwich faced an uncomfortable afternoon.
They trailed 14-13 at half-time but produced a dazzling second-half performance to take maximum points and remain one point behind leaders Malvern.
“It was a gritty performance and for the first 30 minutes or so we couldn’t get into our stride,” said Drew. “Earlsdon were rugged, physical. But we showed we could deal with that, and in the second half we knuckled down and played really well.
“Some people watching us said it was the best second-half performance they had seen for a long time. It was a real team performance.”
Meanwhile, unstoppable Droitwich 2nds cruised to a 78-0 away win at Old Salts to reaffirm top spot.
They scored 12 tries through Tim Cave, Harry Liddell (3), Glenn Topping, Josh Skinner, Nick Godfrey, Matt Wilkinson, Ed Wormington (2), Andy Vizor and Luke Topping. Vizor kicked six conversions and Ali Jones landed three more.
Droitwich meet Harborne 2nds at home on Saturday, with an earlier kick-off time of 2.15pm.
