Redditch let leaders off hook

REDDITCH went to league leaders Droitwich on the back of five wins in six games and ran their high-flying rivals very close.

Playing against a stiff breeze, Redditch began aggressively, taking the game to Droitwich in the forwards.

After 15 minutes Droitwich cleared downfield using the wind to set up a line out on the 22.

From the line out, their full back joined the line to cut through the Redditch defence, allowing the winger to score and the try was converted.

Droitwich increased their lead five minutes later with a penalty for offside.

Redditch stuck to their game plan and pressure from backs and forwards resulted in a penalty after 25 minutes, converted by Wilson.

Redditch continued to drive at the Droitwich forwards with prop Paul Hull and number eight Ron Skelton making ground with powerful runs.

Just before half-time Wilson was unlucky with a long-range penalty which dropped short from 30 metres against the wind.

Redditch changed tactics in the second half, using the wind to push Droitwich deep into their own half.

Half backs Morris and Wilson probed the Droitwich defence with good tactical kicking.

The forwards continued to hammer away at their opponents resulting in a further penalty converted by Wilson.

With Droitwich struggling to subdue Redditch, Morris and Davies combined to send full back John Daniels through to score under the posts.

But as the Droitwich players retreated for the kick, the referee called a forward pass some 30 metres back.

Droitwich pressed the Redditch defence and were awarded a succession of penalties, two of which were converted in the last 10 minutes to give the score an exaggerated look.