Kings Norton 29, Redditch 15

JACK Manners bagged a hat-trick as Kings Norton ensured local bragging rights in the Midlands Division Four West (South).

Manners scored three times in the first half to ensure Norton had an unassailable 22-3 lead by half time.

While spirited Redditch rallied after the break it was not enough.

The rest of the game was a battle of the defences as the other 14 players were evenly-matched with the majority of the game being played in the middle of the park.

Manners weaved his magic in the first half and Shane Rees added two conversions and penalties to put Norton in the driving seat.

Redditch managed three points through the boot of Joshua Holt in the first half, but didn’t get a meaningful score until the second half.

Ben Stanyard hacked on a loose ball and was using his footballing skills to try and control the ball over the line before a Kings Norton player tackled him.

The referee awarded a penalty try and this brought Redditch back into the hunt for a bonus point.

Redditch had plenty of possession and pressed hard, but ultimately found it difficult to break down a solid and committed Kings Norton defence.

The home team turned this defence into attack as their dynamic back row player managed to pick up a loose ball and drive through the Redditch fringes to seal the victory with ten minutes remaining.

The visitors played to the death and gave the score respectability with the final play of the game.

Holt broke through the defence, committed numerous defenders and popped a little pass for right winger Oliver Stokes to dive over in the corner.

Redditch are without league action for a fortnight before hosting league leaders Rugby Lions on January 31.

Before that it will be Kings Norton’s turn to tackle the leaders away on Saturday (2.15pm ko).

Meanwhile, Redditch Seconds went down 26-5 to Kings Norton in a game the Kingfishers paid the price for a slow start.