Sat 28 Jan 2023, 14:15
It is perhaps unfortunate that due to weather postponements Redditch should resume their league programme after a 6 week break against the top two in the league, both away.
Worcester were convincing winners back in October but were somewhat surprised by the aggressive, stubborn determined Redditch side that faced them on Saturday. Caught on the back foot from the start Redditch forced W into mistakes and penalties but were not able to turn the territory into points.
Once W had cleared their lines they found it difficult to break down the R defence, eventually resorting to drives off a lineout to push their way over the try line. R replied with a penalty kick from Will Spires. Having succeeded once W tried again, and once more shoved R back from a lineout move.
R bounced back, their resilient tackling forced a loose ball in midfield which Jon Beale took full advantage of and out paced his pursuers for 5 points, which Spires turned into 7 and a half time score of 12-10.
However for the first 10 minutes of the second half W appeared to shift up a gear, crisp handling, astute running lines and slick support running generated another three tries and 17 points to put W clear. It was a measure of the steel in this R side that they could easily have caved in, but didn't.
For the last half hour, which was peppered with injuries to both sides, R were probably the better side and were rewarded for their determination with a second try from Joe Purvis, rounding of a forwards drive with his first, first team try.
Every squad member deserves a mention for their total commitment to the cause. Player of the match could have gone to anyone of them, but for his game control and distribution, Will Spires took the accolade.
This Saturday they travel to League leaders Hereford, if they can continue their improvement and not lose concentration after the break, there could be a very happy return coach journey.
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Redditch Rumble
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