REDDITCH First XV's bottom of the table battle with Tebury was called off owing to a waterlogged pitch so attention turned to their seconds who travelled to take on Stourbridge Lions second string at Stourton Park.

It was the third time the sides have met this season with Redditch looking to avenge a couple of previous defeats.

Will Ballion used his booming right boot to keep Stourbridge pinned inside their own half for much of the game.

And it was Ballion who opened the scoring when he gathered well won lineout ball from 10 metres out and deceived the Stourbridge defence by cutting back inside to dive over in the corner.

While scrum-half Kit Hemming kept the ball moving in the backs, Ballion was able to show Stourbridge another clean pair of heels before feeding lock Micky Adams who made the score 10-0.

As confidence increased, Ballion weaved his way through for a third unconverted try to put Redditch 15-0 in front.

Stourbridge struggled to put any consistently dangerous moves together but did manage their only score when the pack drove over for an unconverted try.

Redditch rammed home their advantage in the second half as winger Phil Harding snapped up possession from knock-on and outstripped the Stourbridge defence to score under the posts allowing late replacement Sam Gladwin to convert.

Gladwin scored the next try himself following a move which started from well inside his own half.

Redditch's pack was finally rewarded with a sixth and final try when Wayne Buszco barged his way over to crown an excellent result which augers well for both the seconds and the club.

Weather permitting, Redditch return to Midlands 4 West South action this Saturday when they visit top of the table Stoke Old Boys in a re-arranged fixture.

Stoke are currently on the crest of a wave having won 14 of their 15 league games so far and Redditch face a tall order as they battle to beat the drop.