Redditch RFC

With a subtle blend of new faces and experienced heads R started their league campaign with a fine bonus points win, on a day when the weather took a shine to the rugby season.

On the front foot from the first whistle R used their pack to good affect, driving forwards gaining territory until the line was crossed by Mickey Adams bulldozing his way for the first score of five.

The pressure was maintained, Joe Purvis and Matt Allen leading the way ably supported by debutant Tom Lipscomb and Sid Allen. A couple of chances went begging when Aaron Atkinson was held up over the line and Cal Razzak was inches short of the try line. 

The back row of Clarke Parker, Joe Looker and Nathan Marthews were clearing up any loose ball and making ground themselves. James Mills at scrumhalf constantly fed the wave of attacking forwards until fly half Will Spires either spun the ball wide or gained ground. R were on top, but could not break through the stubborn defensive line that E set up

A little frustration set in as their possession as territory suggested a better score line, but with the frustration came errors which would ultimately cost them a score when needless penalties gave Evesham the opportunity to strike back bringing the game to half time at 5-5, with R wondering why they were not ahead.

Having brought a bare team with them E began to suffer when injuries cost them a couple of players, the dominant R scrum pushed E back at every opportunity. This gave more room for the R backs to show their heels and the game opened up. Phil Lane and Jon Beale made punishing runs but it was replacement Tom Mclarney weaving through the defensive line who passed to Cal R and his timely pass put Aaron Atkinson over in the corner.

Instead of lying down and taking a beating, E were sparked into life, spotting a couple of R players out of position a long kick downfield caused chaos which resulted in them scoring, and converting giving E a 10-12 lead and led to concerned looks from the side lines.

A batch of second half replacements however restored confidence, Dan Oscroft, Sean Madden, and Richie Beddard maintained the barrage of attacks and the tiring depleted E ranks couldn't cope.

Following more intense pressure in the red zone AA made one of his trademark arcing runs to dot down for number three. replacement scrumhalf AJ Lewis combined sweetly with Nathan Marthews from a driving scrum to score the fourth, and to round things off Tom Mclarney scored under the posts with a move that started from Matt Allen's counter ruck and Richie Beddard's lung bursting charge, WS converted.

A very promising start to the season, some areas to improve but if this level of commitment can be built upon R could be in for a successful season. 

Joe Looker is hoisted high to receive the perfect throw.