Redditch RFC

Redditch travel to an in-form Aldridge in the first round of the National Vase on Saturday.

They are hoping for a better result than last time they went over there for the same fixture.

On that day Redditch started slowly, allowing Aldridge to skip away to a commanding lead. Once they settled Redditch played some good rugby and scored good tries but the home side was always too strong.

This season Aldridge have wins against Warley, Claverdon and an outstanding 14 man display against Yardley last Saturday, after hooker and stand in captain Lee Ross had received his marching orders for a momentary loss of calm. He will miss tomorrow's clash.

Redditch will need to watch No 8 Chris Balmforth who picked up 3 tries against Claverdon. Nothing but clinical tackling will suffice.

Jonathan Beale will make his debut for Redditch starting on the right wing and new recruit Dan Lanham will start from the bench. Exciting youg back Ollie Mason will also start on the bench after some exciting displays in the 2nds last season.

With coach Tom Saddington unavailable a few positional changes have been forced with Mikey Essex moving to the centre in a straight swap with Stuart Brooks, where he is joined by Clarke Parker, back in the centres this week. Meanwhile  captain Matt Allen moves back into the second row after spending a few games in the back row.

The bounce of the ball and interpretations of an exchange referee may have an impact on the result. Redditch are looking for an honest performance from this match before returning to league action.