Redditch RFC

R came up just short in this compelling mid table clash, E having the edge outscoring the home side 3 tries to 2. 

Following a period of sustained pressure a sublime chip and catch from the E scrum half opened the scoring. R responded steadily with driving runs from the pack which were rewarded with a Will Spires penalty kick.

 R were dominant in the set scrum and employed an effective driving maul to their advantage, but the timing of the line out didn't work so well and promising positions were not capitalised upon. R lost the dangerous running of their lock Tom Dickens to a serious knee injury shortly after E had had a successful penalty kick of their own and despite a 60m interception run from player of the match Jack Mertens, and Cal Razzak being hauled down shy of the try line the score remained 3-8 at the break.

R started the second half on the front foot, attacking at every opportunity JM cut a fine line to score under the posts after a period of sustained pressure, KR converted. But they failed to consolidate and conceded 3 points of their own soon after which was followed up with another darting run from the E back line for a converted try.

More slow build up play and controlled drives from the home side were rewarded with a series of penalties which eventually led to a crashing try from Joe Purvis putting the scores to 15-18. E responded with a try of their own to restore the 8 point lead thus depriving R of a losing bonus point  

The closing quarter was tense but despite a red card for the visitors for a dangerous tackle R could not find their way through a stubborn defense.

Next week is a free weekend with a trip old Old Leamingtonians on the 12th Oct