Sat 22 Oct 2022
Redditch missed out on an opportunity to climb the table with this game in deepest Shropshire. An evenly played out match was decided by a handful of key decisions that ultimately went against the visitors.
The opening exchanges were even with both sides testing each other out, the break through came for R once James Mills had gained a lot a lot of ground from a penalty kick, from the ensuing possession Joe Looker barged over after some slick handling from will Spires who then converted the score for 0-7.
BC ran straight back at the R defence, their direct running brought out some strong tackling but the tide broke through and a converted try levelled the score. A couple of penalty kicks before the break gave the home side a narrow 13-7 lead at half time.
R had their share of possession but were frustrated by a solid home defensive line up and by their inability to convert good opportunities into points when decision making didn't make the most of their possession. . Matt Allen made some telling breaks as did Adams and Martin but too often the ball carrier was left isolated and ground was lost at the ruck.
A yellow card for Craig Martin could have proved pivotal but even being a man down didn't detract from their defensive structure. But errors from both sides took the momentum out of the game with a stream of scrummages and penalties with neither side taking much advantage.
BC eventually found an overlap on the left wing and scored in the corner for an unconverted try, R bounced straight back finding more room in the middle of the pitch spreading the ball a little more which allowed CM to make amends for his yellow and score under the posts, WS converting for 18-14. However concentration levels dropped and within a minute BC had replied with a try of their own which seemed to knock the stuffing out of a tiring R side, a last minute penalty kick rounded off the game.
R were short of a few key players but those standing in were worthy of their places. Man Of the Match Sid Allen was relentless in his work in attack and defence, McDougall /Platten/Adams front row were solid throughout and again Parker and Looker were a constant nuisance around the pitch. In the backs Jon Beale tackled hard as did the centre partnership of Razzak/Lane. Connor Morris at full back made some important breaks. A special mention should go to replacement Micky Jarrett, he was expecting to have a brief spell towards the end of the game, but due to an injury to Matt Allen he ended up playing an hour of the game, making his first team debut at tender age of 55.
This Sat R are at home to Worcester 2nds
MIcky Jarratt enjoyed his first team debut at the tender age of 55. He also had a blinder!
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