REDDITCH RFC battled to a hard-fought 8-5 win against league leaders Birmingham Exiles as the Kingfishers recorded a first league victory since October.
In a low-scoring affair, Archie Beddard scored all of Redditch’s points, kicking a penalty shortly after crossing for the home side’s only try at Bromsgrove Road.
The result means Redditch sit eighth in the Counties 4 Midlands West (South) table after ending their six-game losing run.
Redditch started the game on the front foot, pinning the Exiles in their own half, before Beddard went on a weaving run from 50-metres out to score the game’s first try after James Mills fielded a clearing kick.
And Beddard then kicked a penalty to extend the home side’s lead as the Kingfishers produced an excellent first-half display to stifle their opponents.
Returning Redditch captain Matt Allen enjoyed some crunching runs in attack while Tom Lipscomb and Clarke Parker were quick to snuff out any danger.
And centres Cal Razzak and Will Heath made some crucial tackles out wide to ensure the Kingfishers preserved their eight-point lead heading into the break.
After failing to extend their advantage with a couple of penalty attempts, Exiles reduced the deficit shortly after half time after charging down an attempted Redditch clearance kick.
Injuries to both teams made for a long second half as the Kingfishers held on to claim the points following some tenacious defending in the final few moments.
Redditch are next in action away at Bishops Castle and Onny Valley on Saturday, January 13 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Love Lane.
