Redditch back on track in 2010 (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redditch back on track in 2010

10:49am Wednesday 3rd February 2010

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Redditch 30 Southam 8.

REDDITCH returned to winning ways and got off the mark for 2010 with a convincing win at home in Midlands Three West (South).

Tom Elmes bagged a hat trick of scores, supported by a try apiece from Tom Saddington and Neil Hodgkins, who returned to action after missing last weeks fixture.

The cold conditions kept the ground solid underfoot, helping the flow of powerful backline which was orchestrated by a man of the match performance from Saddington.

He scored a deserved try in the second half after his darting runs and tactical kicking kept his team on the front foot throughout the game.

Elmes scored two first half tries on either wing as Redditch raced into an early lead.

Pressure from the home back row led to a poor clearance kick which landed into the Southam winger’s arms on his own try line.

Isolated and helpless, he could do nothing as Elmes ripped the ball from his arms and grounded, with Saddington converting.

Saddington then struck a crossfield kick to brother Lewis who gathered well and offloaded to Elmes after being tackled inches from the line.

A third try before half time came from Hodgkins following a good spell of pressure from the Redditch pack.

Saddington switched the play down the blindside and was held just short, leaving Hodgkins to receive the pass and score his second of the season.

Southam kept the match interesting as their strong runners made ground on a number of occasions, keeping the Redditch defence on their toes.

They hacked a loose ball through to score a try before half time, adding to an earlier penalty.

After the break, Saddington stretched the lead further with a penalty before scoring his try following constant pressure on the opposition try line.

Elmes completed his hat trick to round up the scoring with the try of the game.

A rolling maul from the pack gave quick ball for the backline to strike.

A couple of decoy runners gave space for Elmes to pick a line and stride clear brushing off the full back on his way to the line.

There is a break from league action this week as Redditch look for a friendly fixture on Saturday before travelling to Upton on February 13.

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