Redditch RFC 6 Coventry Welsh 22

FROM the opening scrum it was evident the Redditch forwards would be in for a long afternoon.

The Coventry Welsh pack were able to drive Redditch back and wheel the No 8 into clear space. He duly obliged with a number of thundering runs from the base of the scrum.

The first score was not long in coming when a perfect maul and drive from a lineout on the right saw Coventry Welsh hooker Lee Ashford cross for an unconverted try.

Redditch then enjoyed a brief spell of possession, with accurate kicking for touch putting them into positions. When the Welsh strayed offside Will Heath stepped up to take the penalty for a 3-5 score line.

Bryn Williams tackled well as the last line of defence and succeeded in smothering a promising attack down the right wing however Matt Carrier took full advantage of the quick ball and disorganised Redditch defence, to score unopposed, beneath the sticks. Liam Horan added the two points to make it 3-12.

This spurred Redditch into their best ten minutes of the game with fullback Williams leading the charge. On several occasions promising attacks were broken up by penalties, the last pass going astray or committed Welsh defence. Eventually as half time approached, Coventry argued once too often and the resulting ten metre penalty brought it within range for Will Heath who made the half time score 6-12.

Redditch started brightly in the second half, and a good drive up the middle from Nathan Marthews brought the penalty. On this occasion Will Heath, shanked the ball and the opportunity to go within three points was lost.

With the scrum still under pressure Redditch had a rushed kick charged down and were lucky to scramble the ball down for a relieving 22 metre drop. Redditch were trying everything and a couple of front of lineout moves from Stan Hull saw good ground gained. This was followed by some bright attacking play which saw Redditch bundled into touch deep in the Coventry half.

With Redditch having the upper hand, an injury to the Coventry lineout jumper, caused a long delay as he was treated. When play resumed with 20 minutes to go the Welsh were able to clear their lines, and came back with renewed purpose.

With 10 minutes to go the Redditch scrum was demolished losing the tight head and defending strongly as Coventry attacked from the free ball. Under pressure, Redditch made a poor clearing kick to centre field. The ball was gathered and went through several pairs of hands to winger Carl Ledington to break the deadlock down the right.

Two minutes later with captain Gareth Davies out of the play and receiving attention a loose Redditch kick went straight to Carl Ledington, and the winger scored a fine individual try as he showed the Redditch defenders a clean pair of heels. This took the score to 6-22 and secured the bonus point win to Coventry Welsh.

Redditch have a lot to work on before their visit to Harbury next week.