Sat 26 Mar 2022
Redditch got back on the winning trail with a comprehensive victory over Atherstone. Recent performances have not been rewarded with results but any apprehension was blown away in the first couple of minutes, a clearance kick by James Mills found an empty space on the wing, the uneven bounce caught out everyone except Mikey Adams who gathered sweetly and ran in the 40m to the line virtually unopposed.
Mikey Adams on the burst
Nerves were settled minutes later when from a series of rucks near the Atherstone line, JM threw an outrageous dummy which opened up a giant hole for him to stroll through to score.
The game settled down to a decent forwards contest with honours generally even, and in the backs both sides struggled to make any clear breaks with errors creeping in to both sides. It was an error at a defensive lineout that cost Atherstone another score when an erratic throw in was gathered by Stuart Brookes who forced his way to the try line.
Atherstone hit back with a try of their own, tied down near their own line their centre evaded a couple of tackles which opened up the length of the pitch to him, which he managed. However R had the final word of the half when Mikey Essex finished off some resolute pressure to take the score to 20-5 at the break, All conversions flirted with the posts, but failed.
Atherstone started the second half with a little more determination and managed another try following a series of penalties , this one was converted. Will Spires found his range with a penalty kick to extend the lead and two further R tries put the game out of reach. Tommy Lyons scored his first try at this level, which was celebrated enthusiastically, and Mikey Adams polished off a fine days work with his second score.
The whole Redditch performance was an improvement, support runners were in place, they enjoyed quicker ball from the rucks and their solid tackling all contributed to a very pleasing win. Conner Morris at full back put in some shattering tackles, the whole pack raised their game, but Player of the Match went to fly half Will Spires whose subtle mix of play kept R going forward and kept Ath guessing.
James Mills Varying the game
Lineout Domination
AJ Fires it out
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