Sat 21 Mar 2026
Redditch welcomed 3rd placed Malvern 2nd team to Bromsgrove Road on Saturday and certainly went down fighting as the bounce of the ball eluded them on occasion,
It was probably the home sides best performance against Malvern since they have been in the same league.
The start was disastrous as Redditch dropped the kick off which Malvern scooped up and fed to the left wing to score under the posts and take a 7-0 lead in the first minute.
Play settled down until Man of the Match, Harry Rutter, was cut down on his way to the line with a high tackle. The referee Yellow Carded the visitor but did not award the penalty try which left the Redditch players still on zero.
Instead of taking advantage of the extra man, Redditch gave away several penalties culminating in Yellow Card for tackling the player without the ball.
And adding insult to injury Malvern’s speedy backs took full advantage of their extra man running in a try wide out.
Captain Will Spires responded with a penalty to take the half time score to 3-12.
Redditch defended well but could not penetrate the Malvern defence.
Then on 18 minutes Redditch were penalised and Malvern once again used their speedy backs to run wide and finish under the posts for another 7 pointer and a 3-19 lead.
And from the kick off Redditch started to pressure the visitors who eventually gave away the 4th Yellow Card of the match. This time Redditch kept their discipline with Loran Abbots crossing for the try. James Mills added the extras and the game was wide open.
Malvern kicked a further penalty, and followed that up with another long range try to take the score to 10-27.
However, Redditch were not yet done and came back with their second try from veteran Stu Brooks to make the final score 15-27.
Next week they travel to Chaddesley Corbett.
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