Rugby union
Woodrush ease to win over Redditch

By Liam Moakes Tuesday 15 January 2013 Updated: 22/01 14:22

THE FLOW of Saturday's Midlands Three West (South) derby between Woodrush and visitors Redditch was largely lost due to the conditions, but the stronger personnel at the hosts' disposal did more than enough to earn a 26-0 victory.

The rain in the days leading up to the match and morning snow took their toll as the teams were left with a muddy pitch, but there was really only ever one team in it as Woodrush at least made an effort to to overcome the elements and play some attacking, open rugby.

Woodrush were without influential fly half Steve Smart but his stand-in Josh Tomlinson did a sound job and landed two early penalties to give Woodrush a 6-0 lead.

The season's top try-scorer so far, winger Lucas Hooper, then added to his tally by taking a pass on the 22 and cutting a diagonal line through the Redditch defence to score under the posts.

Tomlinson converted and added a further penalty to make it 16-0 at the turnaround.

It was Hooper again who increased the Woodrush lead early in the second half when he collected a pass on the burst and ran through on the outside to score in the corner, although the kick was missed.

In the dying minutes second row Luke Russell forced his way over from close range to leave Woodrush desperately trying for the all-important fourth try which would have earned them a bonus point, but it was to no avail.

Seventh placed Woodrush are in action at Icknield Street tomorrow when they host Old Wheatleyans in a rearranged match from December 22.