Redditch RFC

A combination of reasons deprived R of many of their regular faces and stretched their resources to the limit but a full side turned out at BE though the subs bench was empty.

Effectively playing with 11 forwards they were combative up front despite the home pack having a distinct weight advantage. It was out wide that they suffered and, despite decisive tackling from Rory Allen at full back in particular, they conceded three first half tries all of which were converted.

Skipper Will Spires slotted a couple of first half penalty kicks to keep them in contention. Matt Allen and Mikey Adams kept up the driving fight in the forwards, Cal Razzak and Jon Beale tackled hard in the backs, but when the injuries started to pile up the task got harder and harder. 

Dexi Derrick was lost to a shoulder injury, Dan Oscroft had his Achilles damaged. Spires himself dislocated a finger and Kyle Allen turned an ankle. BE were able to run in two further second half converted tries as they were playing effectively against 11 and two halves fit men.  BE themselves having had knocks and with the result not in doubt, the referee, in consultation with both skippers, called time early.

Clarke Parker is hoisted high by MIkey Adams and Matt Allen to take clean lineout ball