This game was very much influenced by the appalling playing conditions, the Droitwich pitch apparently affected by drainage issues following work on the adjacent canal.
The first ten minutes of the game was played between the two ‘22s’ as the players adapted to the playing surface, neither side getting the upper hand. KC started to gain territorial advantage with some good play by both the forwards and backs. The closest KC came to scoring followed a good move by the three quarters from just inside the Droitwich half, this was chipped on into the Droitwich 22 and then a controlled dribble over the try line. Unfortunately the simple dive to score the try became a slapstick moment; the player slipped and fell over in the mud and could only push the ball away. Such incongruous moments can turn games!
KC were now playing well, putting in great tackles and eventually producing a good move begun by Ryan Tiene passed to Will Fallows for him to run 20 metres to score. The testing conversion was completed by Andy McClellan.
Droitwich were putting big pressure on the KC line and one forward move looked as if they would score. Good play by KC as the forwards replied with a terrific push and drove Droitwich back towards the 22 and averted the danger, Simon Clarke and Rhys Kay being prominent in this phase.
Half time was a well deserved lead of 0-7 to KC, Droitwich must have been wound up in the break because they came out very positive when the second half started. Their forward pressure soon earned a try under the posts, their conversion going over with the aid of the post. This lifted the Droitwich forwards who at one point were camped close to the KC line for over six minutes, great KC defence holding secure.
Near the end of the half Droitwich got a penalty on the 22 and converted to take a 10-7 lead. Probably a 7-7 draw would have been a fair outcome, KC winning the first half and Droitwich shading the second half.
Standout players for KC in the forwards were Joe Nicklin (back from injury), Simon Clarke and captain Mike Protheroe. In the backs Matt Parker, Ryan Tiene and Tom Dalton were prominent.
Another defeat however the team can be very pleased with their effort and spirit in this performance, they showed great spirit in defence and attack throughout.