Keresley 14 Redditch 20
Midlands Four West (South)
REDDITCH eased the worries near the bottom of the table by recording their first away win of the season.
Will Bellion and Sam Gladwin both scored tries for the Kingfishers in a much-needed success.
The weather playing a big part in the performance of both sides, and a slippy muddy uneven pitch did not make for fluent flowing rugby that Redditch have been aspiring recently.
Redditch started the better pressurising the home side into mistakes and their back line pushing up tight giving Kersley little room to move and which eventually resulted in an offside penalty opportunity and Gladwin took full advantage.
With greater possession, the visitors began to take a stronger hold on proceedings and following some keen handling amongst the backs, Ballion scored a try.
The sure fire boot of Gladwin added the conversion to give the visitors a handy 10-0 half time lead.
The second period continued much the same as the first with Redditch pushing hard to extend their lead but ended up conceding a converted try instead.
The Kingfishers resumed their attacks but continually fell short of the try line, before another penalty from Gladwin extended their lead when both sides were down to 14 men following yellow cards for both sides.
Keresley slowly began to take the upper hand and wearing Redditch down they took the lead through another converted try adding extra pressure on the visitors.
The Redditch forwards took control for a spell, long enough to allow Gladwin to score a try himself which was duly converted.
Redditch held on for the remainder of the game to plunder four much-needed points and make their league position a little more comfortable.
Redditch produced some strong performances all round but special mention should go to Mike Adams for strong work in the tight and effective tackling throughout.
On Saturday, Redditch welcome local rivals Kings Norton who themselves are in a precarious position. Kings Norton, who lie second from bottom, will be looking to record a league double over Redditch, the Kingfishers will other plans.
