PHIL Horton's two tries helped leaders Droitwich Rugby Club go into the festive break with a 24-8 win at Nuneaton Old Edwardians in Midlands Two West (South).

The town side maintained a six-point advantage over Malvern at the top as well as their 100 per cent record for the league season with 11 victories.

Missing a string of players from the previous weekend's 24-18 win over closest challengers Malvern, Droitwich encountered a spirited effort by second-from-bottom hosts Nuneaton.

The visitors only led 7-3 at half-time with Horton's try converted by Brad Cook who took over the kicking duties.

But Droitwich added three more tries in the first 20 minutes of the second period through skipper James Shewell, Horton and Cook who added one conversion.

It earned them the bonus point before Nuneaton pulled back a late unconverted effort.

Shewell said: "We don't take any teams lightly but it was difficult to get going and get a grip on the game.

"We struggled to get territory but managed to score before half-time. From then on it was more comfortable."

A successful first half of the season has put Droitwich in pole position pursued by Malvern and Kenilworth alongside a RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup semi-final to look forward to at Leek on Saturday, January 20.

Spa's next league game is at home to Silhillians on Saturday, January 6.

Shewell added: "It's only a couple of bonus points we've missed out on so far.

"After being promoted last season, we wanted to have a good go at this level and be in the mix fighting for something in the new year which we are.

"It's shaping up to be a three-horse race. We are playing the teams around us away from home in the second half of the season so we will be taking nothing for granted.

"We will do some training during the league break and we're quite a tight bunch so will be together at times anyway."