REDDITCH Rugby Club revived their Exiles side when they took on a team of serving officers from West Mercia Police.

The Exiles side had been put together by Stan Hull and comprised of old heads and young hearts.

At first it was feared the fixture might prove a mis-match and the police side did nothing to dispel those concerns when they ran in a try from 60 metres out within the opening minutes.

But the Exiles quickly gelled into a formidable unit and gained the upper hand when Josh Kearney ran in a couple of tries, the latter of which was converted by Dexy Derrick.

In what proved a bruising battle at times, the lead continually changed hands with the Police holding a narrow 26-24 advantage at half time after the Exiles had secured further tries from Matt Allen, who also set up a fourth try for Mark Callow.

The second half was a much more cagier affair, but the police eventually extended their slender lead before the Exiles responded late in the game when John Wormington burrowed his way over for a try following a series of drives and rucks close to the police line.

Despite late pressure, the Police held on to win 33-29 but it is hoped this will be the first of many midweek matches for the Exiles.

Redditch returned to Midlands League Division 4 West South action this Saturday when they entertain top of the table Stoke Old Boys from Coventry at Bromsgrove Road in what should prove a classic top verses bottom contest.