Sat 14 Mar 2020, 14:15
Redditch did not have any league fixture this weekend so took a scratch squad to Worcester with some new faces and some new positional selections, the result of the game was promising, the performances encouraging.
The strong wind had a bearing on the tactics once more, kicking was tricky both with and against the gale but with ball in hand progress was slower in defence but easier to control. The Redditch pack did not have it all their own way but played solidly enough to make it uncomfortable for the home side who struggled to take advantage of their possession. Worcester managed to get a couple of tries to get the score board ticking over but were kept honest by some resilient defence.
George Docker Wood returning after a long absence to fullback put in a Man of the Match performance, tackling everything in sight, kicking strategically and had some good runs, Will Heath had a mazy 70m sprint hauled down short of the line. Will Spires at 10 probed nicely with grubber kicks going under the wind and linked well with new face Elliot Watton in the centre who was tackling strongly.
In the second half scrumhalf Leo Fanthome, slowly growing into the role, gained more confidence and was able to distribute cleaner ball, he was protected well by Will Baillon and Mike Allen in the back row.
Redditch scored a couple of tries from Micky Essex and Baillon, one of which was converted by Spires, but Worcester had scored another and managed to hold on to win. It was a mixed up team, playing with new faces is never easy but the side gelled well, linked well and enjoyed playing together.
The newer faces may have come in too late to influence a great deal for the remainder of this season, but the platform for next season - whichever league they find themselves in- is very encouraging.
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