Sat 5 Oct 2019, 15:00
Redditch made the short journey across to Masshouse Lane in Hopwood, confident of a win against Five Ways Old Edwardians.
However, Five Ways had other ideas and their big pack came out strongly to make most of the early running. They created lots of chances, but their poor handling was as much to blame for not converting them as the Redditch defence. Redditch had no fluidity in their game and were just about hanging on for most of this half.
Redditch started to build into the game making breaks but eventually often taking the wrong option in contact.
Some good strong ball caries from Dan Lanham and the rest of the forwards put Redditch into a good field position to earn a penalty. A quick tap and some good handling saw Matt Allen cross for the try.
After some half time changes Redditch started to play a more controlled game. They retained possession as the forward pods started to work together, setting up good ball for the backs, who in turn refrained from kicking good possession away. The Kingfishers were soon making inroads as the big Five Ways forwards started to tire and leave gaps.
Craig Martin was having another excellent game continuing the good form he has shown in the first month of the season.
Eventually the persistence started to pay as Stu Brookes crossed for 2 tries and Vice-Captain James Mills chipped in with one of his own. Ash Mooney converted 3 of the tries and added a penalty.
Redditch ran out worthy winners by 18-29. They played well in patches and have plenty to work on before they travel to Upton-on-Severn on Saturday in the North Midlands Vase Plate. Their hosts havewon 3 from 3 and are riding high in second place in the league above Redditch, who will need a concerted effort to progress in this competition.
Meanwhile the seconds are due to take on Clee Hill in their opening Merit Table fixture for the season.
.jpg?v=638051651285546189){kind=link}
