Redditch 18 pts Cleobury Mortimer 8

WITH both teams knocked out of the Powergen Junior Vase they took the opportunity to rearrange their North Midlands 1 League match.

Struggling with injuries Cleobury took a while to settle down against a much-improved Redditch team that boasted an experienced pack and some very promising, speedy backs.

Cleobury did well to hold them out as the home half-backs kicked well from hand and continually pushed Cleobury back.

This contrasted with very weak goalkicking as Cleobury conceded frequent penalties when under pressure, but Redditch being successful with only one kick from numerous attempts. They also added an unconverted try just before the break to open up an eight-point lead.

The visitors competed well after the restart and looked like closing the gap until they lost the ball in mid-field for Redditch to break away and touch down for a second unconverted try.

Colin Smith hit back for Cleobury when he landed a penalty, but Redditch opened up a 15-point gap when they turned the ball over to race in for a third unconverted try. Cleobury did not drop their heads and kept plugging away, substitute Paul Hulland finishing off a good move with a late consolation try.