Harbury 3 – Redditch 10
A dominant performance from the Redditch pack was eventually enough to claim two league points and defeat a resilient Harbury team. The score was closer than it should have been however, as a combination of solid defence and a lack of cutting edge, kept the teams within a converted score.
The Kingfishers started the game well and camped inside the Harbury half for the first 25 minutes. Mark Tappenden was held just inches from the line as Redditch rolled a maul from the 22 metre line whilst Lewis Saddington cut a good line infield to go close.
As is so often the case in any sport, a team can go ahead against the run of play and Harbury did exactly that. Following their first venture into the Redditch half they were awarded a penalty and took the opportunity to lead three nil going into the break.
Doubts must have crept into the Redditch team following last season’s two defeats at the Warwickshire based club, but they stuck to their task and went back on the attack. The Redditch front row continued to drive and steal ball at the scrummage with Chris Oldfield taking charge at the lineout.
Tom Saddington was the spark that was so desperately needed as he dashed down the blindside and fed Oldfield to put Redditch into the lead. It was ten minutes to full time before Saddington doubled the score with a try of his own. Once again he took the initiative by switching play down the left channel and sold a dummy on his way to five more points.
Some nervous moments ensued as Harburys strong running backline attempted to attack from deep, but the stretched Redditch defence just about held firm.
Redditch return to Bromsgrove Road this weekend to take on local rivals Kings Norton.
