Sat 7 Mar 2026
It was back in September 2025 when Redditch last posted a win – and that was expunged from the record when Kidderminster 2nd team withdrew from the league.
So, the hard work put in by the team in the intervening period, often under difficult circumstances, was finally rewarded.
Redditch travelled to near neighbours Bromsgrove to take on their 3rd team.
Redditch started brightly but Bromsgrove soon fell foul of the referee and at the 4th penalty Stu Brooks took a quick tap and scooted over for the opening score of the match which Will Spires failed to convert.
Redditch dominated play until Jack Mehrtens finished off a good move to take the score to 0-10.
Redditch were playing a well-controlled and disciplined game whereas the home side continued to infringe leading to a yellow card for a high tackle. Will Spires duly converted this one to extend the lead.
Starved of possession due to Redditch’s set pieces working well Bromsgrove resorted to a deliberate knock on resulting in another Spires penalty to make the half time score 0-16.
The half started disastrously for Redditch as Mark Green was carded for a high tackle in the opening minute. Shortly after his time expire Bromsgrove received the same sanction for the same offence as the referee focused on safety.
This was the trigger Redditch needed and Jack Mehrtens crossed for his second which spires converted.
Bromsgrove were throwing everything at the Redditch team but try saving tackles from fullback Rory Allen and rookie winger Harry Rutter helped to keep them at bay.
With the match drawing to a close Stu Brooks once again took a quick tap penalty and, once again, barged over for the bonus point score.
However, from a penalty immediately after, Bromsgrove took a quick tap of their own and crossed for a face saving try.
This put some life into the Redditch side, but they abandoned their controlled play and rushing their opportunities failed to add to the score.
That said it was a comprehensive victory where everyone contributed effectively, none more so than the second row pairing of Jon Beale who dominated the front of the lineout and man of the match Joe McCombie.
Redditch have a week off before hosting Malvern 2nd at Bromsgrove Road on 21st March.
Stu Brooks who scored two tries from well taken tap kicks
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