Redditch RFC

Though the result was another disappointing reverse the performance from R was a good one. They defended well for the majority of the game, attacked with determination and mixed their game up to stretch the home side but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to break through and score any points.

On a cool breezy afternoon the wind could have been a major factor blowing end to end, yet despite a few clearance kicks the bulk of the game was played on the ground with both packs battling hard for territory and to keep on the right side of the ref who stamped their authority on the game from the start. 

The home back line, though slight, were very active and hard to pin down, their flyhalf was especially elusive and managed to evade tacklers on a run that resulted in the right wing outpacing the cover to score out wide..It was a move that was virtually copied ten minutes later when the second try was scored after a similar move, this one converted.

Midfield, however it was a close encounter all afternoon, Spires at 10 fed forwards and backs alike and though holes were punched the final pass too often went astray and the moves broke down. 

In the second half FW had the wind advantage yet they failed to make any meaningful advantage of it, a couple of penalty kicks slowly put the game out of reach but the R defensive line was solid for the duration and didn't look like being breached. Even when down to 14 after a yellow card they were unable to breach the steadfast backline.

 Skipper Aaron Atkinson tackled superbly all afternoon, Jon Beale in the centre let no man pass and explored some attacking opportunities as the game progressed. Matt Allen again put his body on the line getting involved in everything. In fact everyone threw themselves into the match with 100% effort but ultimately fell short.

Pretty soon it will all click into place and the victories will start , hopefully that starts on Sat at home to Keresley.

MItchell Ferris kept driving forward to the end, sadly with little support in sight