Redditch 18

Handsworth 5

Redditch faced a stern test of their North Midlands One credentials when they faced a well-organised Handsworth team.

Some weak scrummaging and poor tackling enabled Handsworth to lay seige to the Redditch line.

But Redditch broke from their line with powerful runs from Goddard and Alekna to within striking distance of the Handsworth line.

Handsworth killed the ball resulting in a penalty successfully converted by Wilson on the half hour.

The visitors attacked from the re-start and a poor clearance against the wind allowed a Handsworth winger in to score.

Redditch replied from the kick off. More powerful running, including a dazzling solo from Tom Elms and slick handling, opened the Handsworth defence just enough to allow scrum-half Neil Hodgkins to slide through and outpace his pursuers to score under the posts. Wilson converted to leave the score 10-5 at half-time.

Redditch took the game to Handsworth after the break.

Clever tactical kicking from Wilson pegged Handsworth in their own 22 as constant pressure from the Redditch back row caused the ball to come loose to Hodgkins who darted over the line for his second try of the match. Wilson missed the conversion.

Handsworth were again penalised for killing the ball, Wilson converting as Redditch went on to to secure a deserved win, although at times they made hard work of it.

There were some excellent displays, from Goddard, Alekna, Hodgkins and the ever-industrious second row pair of Green and Norie.

John Tomlinson made an impressive first team debut at prop, but the Man of the Match accolade went to winger Tom Elms for some explosive running.