SKIPPER James Shewell has warned Droitwich will have to raise their game to overturn a physical Rugby St Andrews side this weekend.
The Midlands Three West (South) champions welcome Rugby to the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday in their penultimate home league game of the season.
Droitwich go into the clash on the back of their 19th straight league win on Saturday, running out comfortable 71-14 victors at Old Wheatleyans.
But with a RFU National Senior Vase semi-final against Lancashire (North) outfit Tarleton coming up on April 15, Shewell has called on Droitwich to hit top gear this weekend.
“Rugby were one of the toughest away games we have had this season because they were very physical,” he said.
“They have a really good mentality and show a never say die attitude.
“Therefore we are going to have to raise our game if we want to make it 20 league wins on the spin.
“We need to be playing well against tough sides in preparation for our cup semi-final.”
Droitwich ran in 11 tries on Saturday with Mark Strutt (4) and Rob Poke (3) leading the way for the runaway league leaders.
Sam O’Brien (2), Matthew Barnes and Nico Mason also touched down while Bobby Scott-Walker kicked six conversions.
Matt Barnes, who had been yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, also grabbed two conversions but Shewell was less than impressed with the victory.
“It was a strange game because we did not play well but neither did the opposition,” he added.
“Wheatleyans did not defend very well but I think that was because they were looking for the losing try bonus.
“They looked ready to lose but there’s plenty for us to work on as we conceded two really soft tries.”
Despite conceding 14 points, Droitwich are still giving away less than ten points a game on average and with just three fixtures left of the season, Shewell wants to keep that record.
“Defence is the key to winning games and it’d be nice to end the season with an average of less than ten points conceded a game,” he added.
“We know we are always going to score points with the players we have got but it’s all about being tight at the back.”
