The Saltmen started brightly in atrocious conditions with some well-executed backs moves that saw the Bromsgrove whitewash under pressure from the outset. Bromsgrove survived the initial onslaught and were able to counter attack resulting in an unconverted try. Droitwich were constantly asking questions of their neighbours rapidly turning solid defence into well-executed counter-attacks. However, Droitwich were being regularly penalised for infringements at the breakdown which meant they weren’t able to fully capitalise on the determined efforts of back-row Josh Olver, Luke Topping and stalwart Phil Horton. The front row trio of Staite, Roberts and Smith were outstanding throughout particularly in open play and locks Captain Nico Mason and Russ Brown were a handful all evening providing aggressive go-forward and counter-attacking zeal.

Both sides handled extremely well in the atrocious conditions and Droitwich were eventually rewarded with a well-executed try finished off by a rampant Horton. It’s fair to say that over the last few seasons Droitwich have relied heavily on their dominant forward pack so it was particularly pleasing to see the back line outfit perform so well. Old-stager Steve Poke controlled his pack well from 9 while Maginnis ran the game intelligently from 10 making good use of the team’s mobile pack and well-drilled backs. The new midfield pairing of Sabel and Jesion were a threat in attack all evening and were a menace in defence with Jesion in particular making his mark on the opposition. The back three of Horrocks, Macleod and newcomer Bent combined well in defence and on the counter and it was exciting to see them fully integrated into attacking moves.

Replacements Ollie Wilkinson at 9, Lawley on the wing, O’Hara at lock, back-rower Middleton and newcomers Riley (prop) and Holsworth (wing) all made an impact off the bench and gave the coaches something to think about for the season ahead. Bromsgrove eventually capitalised on an uncharacteristic Droitwich error and eventually ran out narrow10-5 winners. Droitwich Director of Rugby, Adam Drew said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the referee and Bromsgrove’s players, coaching staff, officials and supporters for making this such an entertaining fixture. It’s clear to see that our pre-season training under the auspices of incoming Head Coach, Chris Johnston, is reaping rewards and building on the strong foundation built by last season’s Head Coach, Pete Knight. I was particularly pleased with our scrummaging, lineouts and restarts tonight and it was satisfying to see our backs in such good form. I was also pleased with our kicking game which has not always been our forte.”

Drew continued:

“We have been on a fantastic journey over the last three seasons getting promoted twice and reaching two finals at Twickenham but we are determined to continue to progress and be competitive in Midlands 1 West this season and to build a formidable Development XV to compete in the Midlands Reserve League and put pressure on our First XV squad. I am delighted to see so many new players at training which is going to make selection a headache. Clearly we have things to work on such as this evening’s penalty count but if there’s one thing we love at Droitwich, it’s a challenge.”