DESPITE the Kingfishers putting in a good display against third-placed Barton-under-Needwood they were shot down by their attack-minded rivals in the Midlands Division Four West (South) on Saturday.

Despite the scores being level at the break, it was the home team who finished their moves more clinically which proved to be the difference at the final whistle.

Redditch had to defend for much of the first half hour as the hosts attacked from all areas of the pitch with numerous powerful runners.

The scramble defence was limiting the opposition to a couple of penalties and Redditch managed to strike one of their own through the boot of Tom Saddington.

But Barton stretched their lead to ten points as they eventually broke through to score on the left wing and convert the following kick for an extra two points.

Redditch struck back before half time thanks to a clean line break by Tom Saddington.

The fly half got in behind the defence and still had the composure to make a long pass to Mark Green who fed the ball to Edwin Grey for a simple score in the corner.

Saddington stepped up to convert and level the scores before the break.

The first five minutes after the break were the turning point for the game.

Redditch had the momentum and immediately won a penalty attempt. The kick went just wide and within a few moments the visitors found themselves seven points behind.

Following the 22 metre drop out, the they pressed just a bit too hard and a forced pass was dropped, punted upfield and pounced upon by the Barton backline.

The home team scored another shortly after to create a 12 point buffer and the score stayed the same for the next 25 minutes.

Redditch continued to attack eagerly with both Phil Goddard and Bryn Williams held up inches from the line.

Barton also survived three sin bins for constant penalties, but ultimately they had enough fitness and strength to keep the Redditch team at bay and managed to score a bonus point try at the death.

Saddington was man of the match for his solid defence at inside centre.

Redditch have one more league fixture remaining away to Stoke Old Boys on April 19.

They are currently fourth from bottom, with a three point lead over in-form Stoke Old Boys, who have two games in hand and still harbour hopes of escaping the drop.