DROITWICH have the opportunity to go up as Midlands Three West (South) champions this weekend in front of their own fans – a thought which excites skipper James Shewell.
Since their harrowing relegation from Midlands Two West (South) last season, Droitwich have rebuilt and find themselves as runaway league leaders after 17 games, boasting a 100 per cent record with just five league games remaining.
And the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground-based side have the chance to secure an instant return to the division above when they entertain Old Leamingtonians on Saturday – one of just two sides to have prevented Droitwich from claiming bonus points.
Droitwich could have secured promotion last weekend following their 36-0 win at Old Coventrians but results did not go in their favour.
However, skipper Shewell told the Standard both he and the rest of the squad would rather secure the championship on their own ground in front of the Droitwich faithful.
“It’s a shame we could not secure promotion last weekend but all the lads said they would prefer to win the league at home by putting on a good performance in front of our supporters,” he said.
“The lads are all getting excited but because we have got cup games in between our league fixtures it kills any form of complacency.
“All the players have the right mentality and we had 34 turn up to training last Thursday which means there is plenty of competition for places.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Old Leamingtonians as they are one of two teams to stop us from getting bonus points but we’re fired up and ready to get our 18th league win on the bounce.”
Droitwich made light work of Old Coventrians on Saturday as tries from Ben Skinner (2), Bradley Smith (2), Aron Middleton and Tom Saddington as well as a hat-trick of conversions from Bobby Scott-Walker secured a comfortable win at Tile Hill Lane.
That was the third time Droitwich have completely shut out an opponent this season and they have only conceded 139 points after 17 games, a record which sits well with Shewell.
“I am a bit old fashioned as I prefer a strong defence over a strong offence,” he added.
“It’s nice to score lots of tries but we are conceding on average less than ten points a game which is something I’m particularly proud of.
“Coventrians killed themselves really as they had three yellows in the first half and despite fighting back stronger after the break, they could not get over that white line.”
