SKIPPER James Shewell says Droitwich have quickly drawn a line under their RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup victory and are fully focused on claiming a 40th consecutive league win this weekend.
The Monners marched into the national semi-finals of the Intermediate Cup with a 19-7 victory at Shropshire side Whitchurch on Saturday and will face York at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground on Saturday, March 31.
Victory for Droitwich would secure them a return to Twickenham but before then Shewell says the attentions have been fully turned to Saturday’s Midlands Two West (South) game at home to fifth-placed Leamington.
Droitwich have won all 17 of their league games so far and a win this weekend would be their 40th on the bounce.
“We see it as a big milestone so we will be doing all we can to keep our winning run going,” said Shewell.
“The lads have fully drawn a line under the cup victory and after our club meal on Tuesday night I could tell everyone was focused on the league.
“We have not played at home in the league since February 20 so it will be nice to get back there in front of our own fans.
“Leamington are a tough side and one of the few teams in this league which can slow us down and prevent us playing.
“But we are excited for the game and it is important we are clinical.”
Droitwich got off the perfect start at Whitchurch with flanker Aron Middleton driving over and Ed Wormington kicking the conversion from out wide.
The visitors extended their lead when Sam O’Brien crossed the whitewash for Droitwich’s second before a penalty try made it 19-0.
Whitchurch set up a tense final with a converted try but Droitwich’s defence stood firm to secure a place in the national semis.
Having told the Standard last week that all the pressure was on Whitchurch, Shewell revealed Droitwich smelt fear in the air when they arrived in Shropshire.
“It was something we picked on when we did the warm up,” he said.
“They looked nervous and having had experience of big cup finals last season our boys were very calm.
“We have dealt with this kind of pressure before and it shone through in the end.
“There was a bit of clock watching towards the end but we are always confident that once we have a lead we can hold on to it.
“We are quite happy without the ball as once we get the lead it is hard for teams to get back in front.”
