WILL Baillon crossed for two tries as Redditch RFC were held to a 17-17 draw against Stourport in a wind-affected clash by the Severn.
Baillon touched down twice before Leo Fanthome crossed for Redditch’s third try to hand the visitors a seven-point lead.
However, Stourport hit back to level the scores and ensured both teams took a share of the spoils to consolidate their respective positions in the table.
Confusion reigned at full-time after the referee awarded Stourport three points from a last second penalty only to correctly reverse his decision and cut short the hosts celebrations.
The result means Redditch remain third in the Midlands 5 West (South) table – eight points behind leaders Birmingham and Solihull after six matches.
Stourport were first to trouble the scoreboard when a wind-assisted kick found touch before driving over the line after some strong Redditch defence.
A penalty extended the hosts lead to 10 points before Redditch struck back when Clarke Parker broke the line and found Baillon who chased his own kick to score.
That converted try sent Redditch into the break 10-7 behind but the visitors responded well in the second period to take the lead.
Utilising the wind to great effect – Redditch won a penalty deep in the Stourport half which they took quickly before working the ball out wide to Baillon who scored his second try.
And shortly after, Redditch had their third try when Fanthome received the ball on the opposite wing before scoring out wide – neither try was converted.
Redditch defended their lead bravely before eventually succumbing to Stourport’s sustained pressure following an exchange of yellow cards.
The home side levelled the game with another close range try which was converted to set-up a grandstand finish.
And Stourport had a chance to win the match with the last kick of the game when they won a penalty out wide 40-metres from the posts.
However, despite the touch judge indicating a successful attempt which led the referee awarding the points, the ball went inches past the post and the decision was reversed.
Redditch return to action against Pershore in the North Midlands Cup on Saturday, November 13.
