Sat 1 Feb 2020, 14:30
The steady gale from the clubhouse end of the pitch threatened to blow the Kingfishers off course if they didn't handle it well and tripped up against a Keresley side who narrowly beat them earlier in the season, but that was not to be, their game plan was just fine to combat the conditions and the opposition.
With the wind at their back Keresley kicked off, instead of a short kick to give their forwards something to compete for it was kicked long, too long, and out of play. Redditch built on the scum win and started the process of maintaining possession, only kicking when necessary, keeping passes short so they didn't get blown off course, and releasing the backs to wreak their havoc whenever possible.
Scrum half James Mills was instrumental in all of this, his Man of the Match performance was key to ensuring the game plan was carried through, feeding the forwards to roll the ball forward then giving the backs their head with flyhalf Will Heath and centre Tom Saddington punching multiple holes in the visitors defense.
However it was contrary to all these tactics that Redditch scored first, a solid scrum in the half way allowed Matt Allen to pick and go, to everyone's surprise he just kept going and with hardly a hand laid on him he sped down the wing to score an unconverted try.
Keresley kicked off again and made the same mistake again, too long, and possession turned over at the ensuing scrum. The wind played its part, lineouts were messy, long passes were risky, handling wasn't great and although Keresley did gain some territorial advantage they never looked likely breakthrough a resilient blue back line.
Stuart Brooks at no 8 was in a ripping mood, relieving the opposition of the ball at every opportunity, returning from injury Ash Mooney stretched his legs in the centre and caused problems all afternoon. at full back Will Spires was in unfamiliar position but ensured that nothing passed him and his chasing game helped Redditch stay on the front foot.
Lock Chris Upton was involved with plenty of work in the tight but stood out with an aggressive burst of speed and power saw him gain 40m to ultimately set up an attacking scrum, simple link play saw winger Jack Mertens dive over in the corner.
A 10-0 lead at the break was probably a better return than Redditch were expecting having been into the headwind but was thoroughly deserved. using the conditions to their advantage they stayed mostly in the visitors half and slowly chipped away at the steadily flagging defense. Leo Fanthome was first benefit, with little space to manoeuver his dancing feet made room for him to score in the corner.
Tom Saddington scored the bonus point try with a delightful chip and catch that tore the heart out the Keresley defenders then rounded things off taking advantage of some clinical passes and clean running lines to score the fifth. Ash Mooney was able to convert one.
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