Redditch RFC

Redditch were deprived of a notable scalp when a last second moment of indecision opened the door for Stourport to steal the game.

Playing a hard direct aggressive attacking game R were on top for much of the first half, the constant harrying of the home side kept them hemmed in their own half and unable to escape . Their passing became loose with the pressure which opened the door for Takunda Kahwa to intercept and score under the posts with Will Spires converting.

The R pack dominated the scrums though the loose play all round was scrappy, but the tackling was solid all round and S struggled to play any meaningful rugby in the R half . They slotted over a penalty kick to narrow the lead but they didn't come close to the try line at all, conversely  R were deprived a second try by a long distance call from the ref.

Tempers were stretched either side of half time when the referee struggled to keep a grip on a game that was getting tenser by the minute. R scored next following yet another sweeping attacking drive from their back line a cross field kick was chased down by Jack Mertens who out manoeuvred the defenders to be the first to dive on a rolling ball, again WS slotted over the kick

Virtually from the kick off S replied with their centre running through unopposed to bring the score to 10-14. Not the firs time this season R have been caught napping after scoring.

The final quarter became a battleground in the R defensive third. The tackling from everyman kept the home side at bay, S were awarded a try with 10 minutes to go but the touch judge rightly overruled it for a knock on, R continued to defend their lines and looked set for a well deserved away win.

The final 3 minutes, as notified by the ref, seemed to last a lot longer with R camped on the own line but hanging on to possession and having won the final scrum just needed to clear the ball out of play to win, they didn't, S scored and snatched a victory having led for only the last 30 seconds on the whole game.

R were justifiably disappointed and frustrated that they only left with a bonus losing point but they should pride themselves that they have lost the last two games to 1st and 3rd in the league by a combined 8 point. They are playing better rugby than their 8th place would suggest and should look forward to next Sat at Five Ways as an opportunity to put it all together and get back in the winning habit.

Tyler-Jay MOnger takes another clean line out ball