Redditch 31, Claverdon 8

REDDITCH sealed safety in the Midlands Division Four West (South) with a fine win over third-placed Claverdon.

With five teams still in danger of the drop, the Kingfishers needed victory to ensure their place.

After a massive team talk in the changing room Redditch came and produced wave after wave of attacks.

Bryn Williams opened the scoring with a penalty.

Good defensive work from Claverdon held Redditch at bay for periods but the floodgates opened when Nathan Marthews touched down and Williams added the conversion. An outstanding performance by Will Heath allowed him to send a cross field kick into the hands of captain Mark Green to score shortly followed by another try by Mat Allan.

Leading 20-3 at the break, the hosts brought on substitutes for fresh legs but had to repel an improved Claverdon display. Two more penalties from the boot of Williams allowed Redditch to open up a considerable lead going into the final quarter.

One last try from back row Phil Goddard secured the bonus point win and allowed them to finish sixth in the league above local rivals Alcester.

Redditch said goodbye to some old legends of the club with Simon Fitzpatrick and Paul Green, who were playing their last ever first team home game.

Redditch continue to train in the coming weeks as after next week’s club tour to Newquay, they host touring side North Holt on Saturday, April 30.

They will be playing in the North Midlands Vase final on May 8 at Dudley Kingswinford RFC (ko 11.15am).