DROITWICH may have been crowned Midlands Three West (South) champions, but skipper James Shewell says the club’s attention is fully focused on the RFU Midlands Senior Vase final against Evesham this weekend.
Unbeaten Droitwich travel to Lower Albert Road on Saturday hoping to book their place in the semi-finals of the RFU National Senior Vase – just a week after securing the league title with a 64-7 victory over Old Leamingtonians.
The Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground-based side, who have won 23 consecutive games in all competitions, have already done the double over Evesham in the league this season.
But skipper Shewell told the Standard the Droitwich players are aware of the threat their rivals hold, especially at home.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game as they have not lost at home all season apart from when we beat them,” he said.
“I think that gives us a psychological edge on them because they looked a bit nervy in the previous meeting.
“On the day it’s going to be down to how each sides reacts to the occasion.
“But we have got big game players in our squad and we don’t want this winning run to stop.”
Droitwich made it 18 league wins on the spin on Saturday as they made light work of Leamingtonians in front of a packed crowd at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground.
Bradley Smith and Phil Horton touched down twice while Shewell, Sam O’Brien, Rob Poke and Iain Young also crossed the line.
Nat Maginnis also kicked seven conversions as Droitwich clinched the title with four games to spare.
But skipper Shewell admitted he was not expecting the ‘subdued’ response from the players after the full-time whistle.
“It was nice to win the league but we did not go mad like I thought we would,” he added.
“The reaction was a little subdued and I think that’s because there was no trophy presentation after the match.
“It felt like another day at the office for us really but we did have a beers after the game as an early celebration.”
Shewell also paid tribute to the fans who have come out in force all season following their relegation from Midlands Two West (South) last term.
“We had a great turnout on Saturday with the whole sideline completely rammed,” Shewell said.
“The clubhouse after the game was full too because we had a Seconds game on as well.
“The support we have had all season has been fantastic and two coaches have been filled for the cup game at Evesham which is unbelievable.”
