Kings Norton crowned local derby winners after bonus point win over Redditch RFC

North Midlands 4 West South

KINGS Norton RFC came out on top in a derby match with local rivals Redditch.

The Hopwood outfit started well with a try from Karl Ford down the left converted by Ed Fogg after just five minutes.

Kings maintained the pressure and Fogg extended their lead with a simple penalty five minutes later awarded for a high tackle.

Redditch fought back to gain some good field position, before Kings strayed offside. Will Heath kicked the penalty for Redditch to reduce the lead.

From the kick off Redditch produced a 10 minute period of sustained pressure, before full back Bryn Williams joined the back line to cross unopposed for the try which went unconverted.

Kings soon replied with their second try through scrum half Dan Thomas which was converted by Fogg.

Redditch applied pressure in King's territory and a kick ahead was followed up strongly by Matt Allen who forced a poor kick from the opposition.

This was received and the ball spun to Mark Green who charged down the right wing before running the ball under the Kings' posts for the touchdown.

Will Heath converted and half time came with the score at 17-15 to Kings Norton.

The second half started with Redditch under pressure, the referee played a long advantage before eventually awarding the penalty on their five metre line. Redditch were slow in readjusting their defence and Kings Norton's Kris Fenn crossed for a try which Fogg converted.

Redditch responded with a good period of possession which resulted in a penalty, they chose to kick for touch but were unable to press for the try.

As pressure increased the referee played advantage before coming back for the penalty near the posts. This time Redditch opted to take the kick which went wide.

Chris Hands' mazy run took him over the line to score Kings fourth try earning the bonus point and Fogg again adding the extras.

Despite a Redditch fightback the home sides' defence stood firm and in the dying moments with the match Hands crossed again for an unconverted try for Kings' first league victory of this season.