Redditch 19

Cleobury Mortimer 15

REVENGE was sweet for Redditch after settling a score against Cleobury who had beaten the Kingfishers twice this season.

Once again Redditch were forced into changes after losing captain Stan Hull so Gary Carter and Chris Oldfield retained their places while Mark Rose was welcomed back to the starting line-up.

Cleobury's well-organised pack were causing the boys in blue problems early on but when Redditch did manage possession mistakes cost them.

Cleobury took a slim 5-0 lead at half time after a successful rolling maul.

Seven minutes after the interval and the Kingfishers were ahead when Gareth Davies' weaving run found Andy Irvine who was on hand to score under the posts. Wil Wilson converted.

Redditch could only hold the lead for three minutes as the visitors kicked over a penalty.

Both sides had chances to take control of the game before Redditch's Tom Elmes made certain with a try with just eight minutes to go.

Two minutes later Cleobury's rolling maul again caused havoc in the Kingfishers defence which saw them re-take the lead again at 12-15.

But there was just enough time for Irvine to pick the ball up and run half the length of the pitch for a fine individual winning try converted by Wilson.

Kingfisher's team manager Steve Moore said: "Our never say die attitude pulled us through in the end."

Redditch take a break from league rugby as they entertain Bishops Castle in the quarter-finals of the North Midlands Shield.