RAMPANT Redditch Rugby Club produced their third straight win of the season when they pulled off a 25-24 triumph at Pershore and put paid to any prospects of relegation from Midlands Four West South.

Super Sam Gladwin shook off the effects of a shoulder injury to seal victory with a stunning last-gasp try as Redditch came from behind to secure a memorable triumph.

Although Gladwin kicked Redditch into an early lead with a penalty, Pershore soon hit back to take a 7-3 lead with a well worked converted try.

Redditch responded with a lineout move some 15 yards out from Pershore's line which saw veteran back row player Mark Broadhurst claim a clean catch and charge over for a try to put Redditch 8-7 in front.

Pershore struck back right on the stroke of half time when their winger broke clear to score an unconverted try, putting Pershore 12-8 ahead at half time.

With the elements in their favour, Pershore plundered a third try after an attempted clearance kick was held up in the wind to leave Redditch 17-8 adrift.

Redditch responded through their pack who set up a series of driving mauls which eventually gave Lewis Saddington the chance to break through and score under the posts for Gladwin to convert.

Injury hit Gladwin then saved what seemed a certain looking try for Pershore when he managed to produce a last ditch tackle to prevent their winger from scoring.

But from the resulting lineout, Pershore forced their way over for a converted try to put themselves 24-15 in front with play well into the final quarter.

Redditch refused to lie down and Gladwin cut the gap with a penalty before snapping up the winning try.

A well taken catch by Williams when gathering an attempted clearance saw him race 40 metres before feeding Gladwin who weaved over the line.

There was just time for Gladwin to gather himself before sending over what proved a crucial conversion to give Redditch the narrowest of wins.

Redditch return to league action on March 25 when they entertain Coventry side Stoke Old Boys.

  • It proved an excellent weekend for Redditch when their second XV secured their second consecutive success when beating Bournville thirds 20-14.

Promising young winger Harvey Hapgood made his mark with two well taken tries after being set up, firstly by scrum half Jamie Gordon and then veteran winger Wayne Sharpe.

Bournville fought back to make the score 10-7 by half time but Redditch were in no mood to surrender the advantage as further tries followed from hooker Wayne Buzscko and replacement flanker Tim Aris after centre Josh Kearney had made some driving runs through the middle of the park.

Redditch defended resolutely in the second half and restricted Bournville to one more converted try.