Redditch RFC

Redditch took on the current league leaders and gave them a nasty shock. Though they fell behind by three scores in the first half they turned things around after the break and nearly came out on top.

The game was evenly contested from the outset, an early pen kick gave BE the lead which was followed up with a converted try when the very mobile no12 weaved his way to the line

R had their chances, but their opportunities fell short with a combination of solid defence by the home side and last pass errors by the visitors. BE stretched their lead when the ever active centre danced his way around tackles but R were still competitive in the game having the edge in the forward battle and dominant territorially, they just lacked the cutting edge needed to score. A leg injury to fullback Archie Beddard disrupted the back line but R were building themselves back into the game until an accidental collision between R players opened the door for the Exile's hooker to run unopposed to the line.

Much the same as the previous week R found themselves 22-0 down at the break, which again was not a fair refelection on the effort they had put in. 

Revitalised R raised their game from the off,  a sweeping move on the right wing resulted in a knock on but the momentum was shifting. Tom MaClarney was held up over the line, from the drop out they powered back resulting in skipper Matt Allen scoring a try converted by Will Spires. 

Will Spires feeds Tom McLarney to get the backline racing

In the first 15 min of the half BE conceded 10 penalties as R upped their game, driving forward at every opportunity, the forwards dominated with Allen along with Richie Beddard, Mikey Adams Craig Martin and Nathan Marthews racking up the meters gained catching the opposition offside time after time. 

Matt races away closely supported by Nathan and Mikey

However it was noticeable that every time R were on a roll and gaining momentum the home side suffered an injury necessitating a break in play.

Allen was instrumental in the second try, his delicate chip kick was followed up by Jon Beale who got his hand down first to bring the scores closer.

R had their heads up but were running out of time, passes were forced  or dropped so when BE scored the fourth try in the dying minutes it put the game out of reach in what was possibly their first visit to the Redditch red zone.

R had the last say, a final drive under the posts for Richard Beddard to score with Spires adding the kick 

Richie Beddard in a typical driving run