Redditch Exiles 24

Barker Butts 17

IT was a cracking end of season for the Exiles who were inspired by the roar of the Redditch United supporters next door.

The men in pink defended admirably for the opening spells, making their own attacks when the chances came but much of the game was played out midfield.

Jason Habgood opened the scoring rounding off a keen counterattack.

The Butts hit back with a converted try as the Exiles were caught napping at a quickly-taken penalty.

But Trevor Pennington helped Redditch retake the lead after slotting over a penalty.

The Butts weren't finished by any stretch of the imagination and stole another try which gave the visitors a half time lead.

The second period was a different story for the Exiles who ran in two tries from Hadley and Jez Thomas, which Thomas also converted for the men in pink to take the spoils.

n Redditch Exiles travelled to the Severn Valley to take part in the Bridgnorth Veterans Tournament on Sunday for the first time in a decade.

The Exiles drew their opening pool game against Shrewsbury 3-3 and then had to wait over two hours for their next encounter against Wolverhampton.

In a tough encounter Redditch's tackling was the match to all Wolverhampton attacks but their own attacking play faltered.

The match up required a dazzling run from Wayne Sharpe to break the deadlock with a conversion from Trevor Pennington.

In the closing minute Redditch confirmed their fine win with another three points from Pennington's boot to give them a win and bonus a point that put them into the semi final.

Here they met their match in Ludlow the eventual tournament winners.

Redditch managed to stifle all that Ludlow could throw at them in the first half and took the lead when quick-thinking Mark Rose took a lineout for Paul Buck to walk unopposed to the line.

The try went unconverted, the pace took its toll and the previous days play made tired legs heavy in blistering sun.

Ludlow eventually scored a converted try and despite last-ditch runs and a desperate attempt to keep the ball alive Redditch lost 5-7.