REDDITCH RFC made a stuttering start to the new year after being edged out 16-15 by Cannock to lose for just the third time this season.
Matt Allen and debutant Tom McLarney touched down for Redditch with Will Spires kicking five points as the visitors came away with a losing bonus point.
The result means Redditch sit fifth in the Midlands 5 West (South) table, just two points behind second-place Greyhound.
Redditch were beaten 29-12 by their opponents in the reverse fixture earlier this season in a game overshadowed by a severe injury suffered by Ash Mooney.
And the visitors made an excellent start as Spires kicked Redditch into a deserved lead only for three Cannock penalties to turn the tie in the hosts’ favour.
However, Redditch scored the game’s first try when Allen charged through shortly before half-time with Spires converting after good work from Stu Brookes at the scrum.
That score sent Redditch into the break with a slender 10-9 lead with Brookes, Mikey Essex, Micky Adams and Jack Bacciocchi helping to keep Cannock at bay.
And player of the match McLarney then scored a debut try to stretch Redditch’s lead to six points when he finished off a fine move.
But Cannock would hit back with a converted try underneath the posts after some resilient Redditch defence to take a one-point lead heading into the final few minutes.
Despite playing some adventurous and attacking rugby, Redditch’s ill-discipline in the first half would ultimately prove costly as they were unable to strike again to suffer a narrow defeat.
Redditch are next in action at home to Five Ways Old Edwardians on Saturday, January 15 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Redditch Rugby Club.
