Sat 7 Oct 2023
Redditch travelled to Stourport having not beaten them in the last four outings.
Stourport kicked off, but were brought back, because a player was ahead of the kicker. Instead of taking advantage from the scrum Redditch failed to clear the ball and gave away a penalty.
And thus it continued for 19 minutes with both sides putting up stern defence and squandering opportunities in attack.
Eventually the home side broke the deadlock with a penalty, Shortly after Stourport executed an excellent 50/22 to give them field position. However, Redditch turned the ball over only to knock on just a metre from their line. Stourport could not believe their luck and duly scored with the conversion taking the score to 10-0 to the home side.
Redditch continued to work hard until they received a penalty for offside which Archie Beddard slotted over for the visitors first points.
A minute later the Redditch backs sprang into action with Will Heath crossing and Archie Beddard converting to level the scores going into half time.
With the sun at their back and the advantage of the slight slope Redditch lifted their game in the second half to keep Stourport scoreless. Redditch opened the scoring with another penalty. Stourport had the opportunity to equalise, but the kick sailed wide and to the right easing Redditch nerves.
Beddard added another penalty to take the score to 10-16, and when Stourport were given another kickable penalty, they opted for a scrum. By now the Redditch pack’s fitness was starting to become an advantage as the big Stourport pack tired and the scrum came to nothing.
Play continued with both sides making good breaks and the defences holding firm.
The final score came when a Stourport player offered the referee some free advice and Redditch made him pay with a penalty to Beddard, which took the score to 10-19.
Man of the match went to Archie Beddard, who tackled well, was safe under the high ball, ran the ball out and slotted five from 5. A great performance.
Redditch next take on Five Ways Old Edwardians away next Saturday.
Nathan takes a spell in the heat as man of the match Archie looks on
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