Five Ways Old Edwardians 18 Redditch 29
Midlands Five West (South)
REDDITCH secured a second win in three league matches this season with a deserved success at Ash Lane in Hopwood on Saturday.
The victory was hard-fought though as the hosts made their intentions clear from the start, with their pack coming out strongly to make most of the early running.
They created lots of chances, but their poor handling was as much to blame for not converting them as the Redditch defence.
The visitors had no fluidity in their game and were just about hanging on for most of the first half.
Redditch started to build into the game, making breaks, but eventually often took the wrong option in contact.
Some good strong ball caries from Dan Lanham and the rest of the forwards put Redditch into a good field position to earn a penalty. A quick tap and some good handling saw Matt Allen cross for the try.
After some half-time changes, Redditch started to play a more controlled game. They retained possession as the forward pods started to work together, setting up good ball for the backs.
The Kingfishers were soon making inroads as the big Five Ways forwards started to tire and leave gaps.
Craig Martin was having another excellent game, continuing the good form he has shown in the first month of the season.
Eventually the persistence started to pay as Stu Brooks crossed for two tries and vice-captain James Mills chipped in with one of his own. Ash Mooney converted three of the tries and added a penalty.
Redditch played well in patches but have plenty to work on before they travel to Upton upon Severn on Saturday in the North Midlands Vase Plate.
Their hosts have won three from three and are riding high in second place in the league above Redditch, who will need a concerted effort to progress in this competition.
Meanwhile, the seconds are due to take on Clee Hill in their opening Merit Table fixture of the season.
