REDDITCH were robbed of a famous victory when they conceded a last gasp try to third placed side Stoke Old Boys in Midlands League Division 4 South West.

Stoke snatched a converted try in the dying seconds to clinch a 33-30 success and keep themselves in contention for promotion.

When the teams met earlier in the season, Stoke steamrollered their way to a 66-0 success and they started the game in similar style with wave upon wave of attacks.

Both Bryn Williams and Mark Green made try saving tackles to keep Stoke at bay, but the pressure finally told as the Coventry side snapped up a converted try.

Redditch soaked up further attacks and the tide suddenly turned when Green intercepted a speculative pass and sprinted 70 metres to score, Sam Gladwin's conversion levelling the scores at 7-7.

Stoke struck back with an unconverted try before Gladwin responded with a penalty.

It looked as though Redditch had weathered the storm but Stoke secured a third try on the stroke of half time after the ball bounced kindly for them to lead 19-10 at the break.

Redditch looked more dangerous in the second half and fast ball enabled Williams to cut the deficit with an unconverted try.

Fly half Lewis Saddington was having a superb game and continually drove his pack forward forcing Stoke into errors and leaking penalties.

The referee finally lost patience and reduced Stoke to 14 with a yellow card.

Redditch soon took advantage with a Will Ballion try to put Redditch ahead at 20-19.

Stoke regained the lead with a converted try following a driving maul but Redditch roared back, Ballion bagging his second try under the posts for Gladwin to convert and then add a penalty.

That put Redditch 30-26 in front with time running out but there was long enough left on the clock for Stoke to strike again with a converted try.

Redditch did reap some reward with a couple of bonus points.

But they will be put to the test again this Saturday when they entertain top of the table Alcester.