REDDITCH Rugby Club are resigning themselves to relegation this season from Midlands Four West South following another setback when they lost 27-12 at close rivals Kings Norton.

The result leaves Redditch marooned 12 points adrift at the bottom of the table with just four more games remaining.

The writing was on the wall for Redditch within a couple of minutes of the kick-off against Kings Norton when Rickie Merritt and Will Heath were both reduced to the role of spectators after picking up injuries.

But despite this early setback, Redditch responded superbly when they took the lead, James Mills taking a quick tap penalty to send Will Ballion over the line to lead 5-0.

Kings Norton soon hit back to level with an unconverted try of their own and it looked as though the score would stay the same up until half time.

But just before the interval, Kings Norton snatched the initiative with two tries and a conversion to lead 17-5 at the break.

Redditch couldn't repair that damage in the second half and their eagerness to get back in the game only led to a string of errors.

Eventually Kings Norton put the game out of sight with two more tries to go 27-5 in front.

Redditch had the last word when Jack Duffy charged over for a try which Steve Willman converted.

Life doesn't get any easier for Redditch who entertain top of the table Old Wheatleyans this Saturday in a game which is likely to seal their fate.