AN excellent business-like display kept up Cleobury Mortimer's chase for third place in North Midlands One with a 16-0 win over Redditch.

But a 10-0 success for rivals Veseyans over Upton kept them ahead of Cleobury by two points.

Cleobury, who brought in John Banford for the injured Steve Phillips, displayed a quiet air of authority against in-form Redditch.

Willie Bache dictated the game, directing the excellent power running of Paul Hulland, Ian King and Chris Gittins.

Playing against the wind and slope in the first period, Cleobury kept the ball in hand and tore into the opposing defence.

Redditch's backs looked dangerous but were countered by tremendous tackling before Colin Smith's penalty for offside put the home side ahead.

Rob Kirton proved an effective defensive line-out jumper and provided Hulland with the ball to twist over the try-line.

Though the conversion was wide, Cleobury led 8-0 at the interval with Redditch failing to make the most of the elements.

Cleobury controlled the second half and Richard Skidmore added a second try after several side-steps and a pirouette.

The conversion was missed and Smith sealed the win with a late penalty in front of the posts.