Sat 3 Sep 2022
Redditch travelled to Evesham to take on their 2nd team in the first League fixture since the League Restructure which allowed Lower XVs into the leagues.
With 5 players making their 1st team debut many individuals had points to prove.
Evesham started with some devastating scrum drives as their big old boys showed all their experience. However, James Mills kept Redditch in the right part of the field with some astute tactical kicking. From a lineout Redditch sustained the pressure on Pershore before Nathan Marthews crossed for the opening score on 17 minutes. Will Spires converted.
Redditch had weathered the opening storm by being in the face of the Evesham backs who seemed all at sea, dropping most balls. On 22 minutes Evesham backs finally broke free only to have the move broken down by an outstanding tackle from Redditch Captain Aaron Atkinson at full back. 2 minutes later the same break suffered the same fate as Aaron once again put his body on the line to stifle the move.
However, a penalty was given away and Evesham quickly spun the ball wide to cross unopposed for their first try. Moments later the move was repeated for Evesham to go into the lead with their second unconverted try.
Redditch stayed in the game for the last 10 minutes of the half until they were aided by a string of penalties which were taken quickly to turn the screw on the big Evesham Forwards who were starting to tire as the half drew to an end. After sustained pressure Nathan crossed for his second try to take the half time score to 10-12 in favour of Redditch.
Whatever was said to Evesham at half time they came out a different proposition.
Aaron was brought into action early as the Evesham backs started to gel. A penalty was given away and from the lineout the ball was spun wide by home side to score on the 4th minute. This was repeated after just 7 minutes doubling the home sides score.
Redditch was forced into a few changes as injuries and tiredness started to take their toll. They toiled away for the next 12 minutes with many people defending solidly, until a penalty for a high tackle allowed Evesham to kick for position. Once again from the lineout a converted try was scored. A few minutes later the hosts crossed again to stretch the lead to 36-12.
However with Redditch still pushing hard a penalty was awarded and the Kingfishers Backs broke through with Fullback Atkinson looping round the winger and delivering 3 superb handoffs to score in the corner.
This lifted the Redditch spirits and as the referee caught up with some dark arts being practised by the Evesham front row a string of penalties aided their cause. Just as Redditch were making strides they were turned over in midfield and the Evesham centre raced through on a beautiful line to score under the posts taking the final score to 43-17.
Though well beaten Redditch showed much courage in defence as well as some promising attacking play. All the debutants acquitted themselves well which will stand the team in good stead as the season progresses.
Next week we host Droitwich seconds at Bromsgrove Road.
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