Redditch 13 Claverdon 10
Midlands Four West (South)
THE KINGFISHERS began their campaign in excellent fashion with a hard earned victory over their local rivals at Bromsgrove Road on Saturday.
Both teams had a successful pre-season which made this game an open and enjoyable contest to watch as each attacked from deep and both used new recruits.
Will Heath was first to strike from the boot when Claverdon gave away a penalty in front of the posts.
However, the Lions, playing their expansive running game, soon struck back with a well worked try on the outside which went unconverted.
After a long attacking spell from the hosts, Claverdon finally conceded another penalty in front of the posts and Heath obliged to make it 6-5 at the break.
The second half continued as the first had ended with both teams attacking and defending very well. Redditch were put under heavy pressure on their own line for a long spell but weathered the storm manfully.
After some changes to both sides due to injury, the reliable Mark Green was able to score a try on the outside for the hosts and a great conversion from Heath put Redditch 13-5 up with just a few minutes to play.
Claverdon very rarely lie down though and in a quick break they won the chase to a loose ball to score an unconverted try to make it 13-10.
A tense final few minutes saw Redditch retain possession straight from their own kick-off and keep Claverdon in their own half until the final whistle.
This competitive game kept the crowd entertained. Attacking rugby from both sides did not always go to plan but, for a first game of the season, there was much promise of success in the months to come.
Redditch man of the match was John Wormington, whilst Stan Hull was chosen dummy of the day.
Redditch face tough opposition on Saturday when they visit Coventrians.
