Sat 4 Mar 2023
A dominant first half performance from the revitalised Redditch side was the platform for this convincing victory against top four opposition.
From the kick off the attitude was there for all to see, hard, fast direct rugby upsetting the visitors rhythm and probably surprising them too, this is not the Redditch that we saw last year.
From an early forwards drive Joe Purvis was held up over the line, but it didn't take long to break the deadlock. Slick hands spun the ball from right to left and back again giving room for Mike Allen to score.
Encouraged by the score R piled on the pressure, the pack driving forward at every opportunity, clearing the way for Will Spires to chip delicately to the wing for Aaron Atkinson to gather and score, WS converted.
In the pack, Craig Martin was heavily involved throughout and Player of the match Nathan Marthews making an impact in attack and defence. Clarke Parker led the defence with some dynamic first time tackling, stalling the Malvern attacks putting Redditch back on the front foot.
Third try came from the dominant scrum, Will Heath running a clean arcing line weaving past despairing tackles to score impressively, WS again added the extra two.
The final play of the half saw WH make more ground, inter-passing across the pitch saw the ball return to Mike Allen who this time fed Phil Lane to score in the corner giving R a 24-0 lead and bonus point in the bag.
A very good half of confident intelligent rugby, fine handling, good decision making and the ball handler supported throughout.
The excellent crowd were buoyed by what they had seen a looked forward to more
A few personnel changes for Redditch at half time and no doubt a good rollicking for Malvern from their coach meant the second half started with a revival of the visitor's fortunes. Sloppy tackling let them through too easily for their first try in reply. They slowly built themselves back into the game, a second try followed a concerted spell of pressure.
A penalty kick at goal from Spires was adjudged to have gone slightly wide which would have settled any concerns but instead M mounted another attack to score out wide to bring the scores to a nervy 24-17.
Redditch slowly built themselves back into the game, keeping the ball tight, not giving Malvern any opportunity to steal the game at the death. Their pack gained ground driving to the line and with the opposition scrambling to fill the gaps, scrumhalf AJ Bennett sniped over from close range to secure the game.
this Saturday Redditch host Evesham II's 3pm ko
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