Claverdon 13, Redditch 0

REDDITCH put up a good fight this weekend against second placed Claverdon, but didn’t have enough firepower to breach a superb defensive display by the home team.

The Kingfishers may regret not turning pressure into points, which may have been enough to secure a bonus point at least.

An even first 10 minutes involved both sets of forwards running hard and straight and testing each other’s resolve. Claverdon slotted an early penalty, but Redditch missed with their attempt.

The Redditch forwards then had a 15 minute spell camped in the opposition 22, but came away with nothing following a resolute spell of tackling from the home team.

Claverdon started stretching the away tacklers and put together some excellent phases of play. This continued after the break which led to the killer blow as the full back cut a great line through a strained defence to score the only try of the game.

Redditch had to respond instantly and, despite a reasonable amount of possession, Claverdon snuffed out anything that moved and tracked back well even when the away team got past the first line of defence. The hosts added another penalty late on.

Redditch are at home in a Midlands Cup fixture against Five Ways on Saturday.

The Exiles got the better of Stourbridge Lions thirds 27-7.

Tyler Brough ensured Redditch profited from a bright start when he crossed over for a try. Mitchell Ferris added a second after a slick move.

Stourbridge were allowed through for a converted try but Brough touched down again to hand the Exiles a 15-7 half-time lead.

Brough completed his hat-trick and Duncan Davis also burst over for a score.