REDDITCH RFC pushed third-placed Malvern all the way in a 27-15 home defeat as the Kingfishers produced a spirited performance.
The home side made a disastrous start at Bromsgrove Road as Redditch dropped the ball from kick-off which allowed Malvern to score the game’s first try under the posts.
Malvern then had a player sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on Harry Rutter although the referee opted not to award the Kingfishers a penalty try.
However, Redditch then lost a player of their own to the sin-bin for tackling a player without the ball.
And Malvern made the most of the extra player to score a try in the corner as Will Spires kicked a penalty for Redditch to reduce the deficit to nine points at the break.
The visitors extended their lead after the interval with a converted try under the posts but lost another player to the sin-bin following the restart.
Redditch kept their discipline as Loran Abbots crossed for a try and James Mills kicked the convertsion.
Malvern kicked a penalty to extend their lead and then scored a long-range try to take the game out of Redditch’s reach.
However, the Kingfishers scored their second try courtesy of Stu Brookes to just miss out on a losing bonus point.
Redditch are next in action against Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday, March 28 with kick-off at 3pm at Fox Lane.
