Five Ways Old Edwardians 7 Redditch 31
Midlands Four West (South)
THE KINGFISHERS bagged their first victory of the season on Saturday thanks to a convincing first half performance in which they scored four tries.
The second period was a scrappy and frustrating game, but the victory and the bonus point will be gratefully received following the narrow defeat to Evesham the previous weekend.
Redditch were in complete control in the first half, with Ben Stanyard making the perfect start to his debut at scrum half. He supported the break from Jack Duffy and was on his shoulder to receive the pass and go clean through under the posts.
It was the Redditch pack who again made inroads into the Five Ways defence as they ran hard at the fringe defence. With Redditch having good field position, both Glen Francis and Tom Hodge scored similar tries as they picked and burrowed over the line from short range following spells of good possession and rucking.
The Redditch back line attacked when quick ball was available. Oliver Stokes went on a mazy run down the right wing and the ball was kept alive well to eventually end up with Duffy getting his name on the scoresheet.
The second half was like watching two different teams as Five Ways stepped up a gear in aggression and Redditch came down a level by avoiding the basics.
Five Ways camped in the Redditch 22m for long periods and eventually got the try their endeavour deserved.
The game became very scrappy and loose with both teams struggling to find any rhythm, although Redditch scored with the final play of the game when attacking the left channel.
Space was created for Joshua Holt who still had some jinking and side-stepping to do before sealing the win.
On Saturday Redditch face a tough challenge when local rivals Kings Norton visit Bromsgrove Road, where the hosts will be looking for a full 80-minute performance.
