SKIPPER James Shewell says the thought of Droitwich playing Midlands One West rugby next season excites him – but stressed the Midlands Two West (South) leaders are taking each game as it comes.
The Salt Boys, who won all 22 of their Midlands Three West (South) games last season to end as ‘Invincible’ champions, have won all 15 of their league games this season and are edging closer to securing back-to-back promotions.
With seven games remaining, Droitwich sit 22 points clear of third-placed Kenilworth but Shewell is under no illusions promotion is all-but secured.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground side who just two years ago finished rock bottom of the Midlands Two West (South) table with zero points, despite winning one game all season.
And the thought of playing some well-established clubs who have featured in the national leagues is something which Shewell is targeting.
“I think we could look at playing in the level above with excitement,” he told the Standard.
“There are some big, well established clubs in Midlands One West who pay their players which is something we have never done before.
“If we got promoted, it could be a case of changing one or two things off the pitch but it would be brilliant to play some big teams and see what Droitwich can do.
“I did not realise there were only seven games left so it is important we do not lose our focus and take each week as it comes and see where it takes us.”
Droitwich’s first of their last seven ‘cup finals’ comes tomorrow (Saturday) when they make the trip to fourth-placed Earlsdon, who are also on a good run of form having won their previous four outings.
The Salt Boys beat the Coventry side 35-14 in their last meeting but Shewell believes it is going to take a good performance to overcome their opponents who have lost just once at home all season.
“We are going to need to produce the goods and raise our game if we want to beat them but I am confident we can do that,” he added.
Shewell and Co head into the clash in extremely high spirits after claiming their 37th consecutive league win last Saturday with a 40-10 home success over Berkswell & Balsall.
In the only Midlands Two West (South) game of the weekend, Droitwich fully utilised their game in hand to regain their six-point advantage over second-placed Malvern.
Ruben Staite (2), Pete Knight, Matt Handford, Russ Brown and Ed Wormington got the tries while Bobby Scott-Walker kicked five conversions.