Sat 18 Dec 2021
Redditch got back onto the winning trail on Saturday with a convincing win against a youthful enthusiastic Bishops Castle side. As storm Barra had left it's mark on the first team pitch the game had to be played out on the sloped spare pitch, a slope that R took full advantage of.
After a scrappy opening quarter in which neither side were able to put any meaningful possession together R slowly turned the screw as their dominant pack took control. Scrums were won with solid shoves, the ball began to get distributed with more purpose resulting in Matt Allen leading from the front and barging through the last line of defence.
It didn't take long for the score to be built upon when Player of the match Micky Essex bulldozed over for his first try. Both scores were converted by James Mills. The game was now starting to open up, confidence on the ball increased and a more expansive running game broke out. Cal Razzak had a chance of a spectacular 60m try spoiled when he was hauled down short of the line, though from the ensuing recycling of the ball Mick Essex poached his second try.
The half back pairing of James Mills and fly half Aaron Atkinson combined perfectly to start a clinical backline movement that saw the ball transferred sweetly from scrum to winger allowing Leo Fanthome to score the next try. Then continuing with the scrummage dominance, Stuart Brookes picked and drove forward from No 8 to round off the first half scores, 29-0 and try bonus point in the bag.
The second half didn't produce as much excitement, R were clearly the better side though BC would not give up the fight keeping the home side honest with some testing breaks as they now had the slope in their favour. Stu Brookes scored his second from a forward's drive and Leo Fanthome also scored a second chasing a kick to the far corner, converted by Ollie Stokes.
The Redditch defence managed to soak up all that was thrown at them apart from possibly he most spectacular try of the day when the BC centre broke free at the half way line and sprinted away from the cover tacklers to score. it raised the biggest cheer of the day.
Missing some key players and others not in their preferred positions this was a dominant controlled display from a Redditch side still chasing down the promotion slot behind Birmingham Solihull, their next game on 8th Jan away at Cannock could be crucial.
RRFC would like to wish all players officials and supporters a happy Christmas and prosperous new year. 2021 has been a very challenging year for all involved with the club but the future looks promising for all concerned.
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