Stourbridge 43 Redditch 20

Redditch warmed for the new North Midlands One season against a side that on paper, was always going to be tricky.

Redditch, who will open their league campaign at Old Griffs on Saturday (3pm), started well going 10-0 up after ten minutes with an interception try by Andy Irvine & Conversion & Penalty by Will Wilson, & at this point

Redditch were in control of the game, not giving Stourbridge any possession.

Redditch started giving away far too many penalties , which eventually led to a Stour converted try.

Redditch managed to regain composure and stretched their lead with an unconverted try by Joe Alekna just before half time, to make the score at the interval 10-15 to Redditch.

Redditch again started the better in the second half with Danny Cooper scoring an unconverted try 10 minutes into the second half.

However, this proved to be the last score of the game for the Kingfishers, as Stourbridge made three substitutions shortly afterwards, all of which were players being groomed for their senior side.

The extra quality told and although Redditch defended valiantly Stourbridge went on to score four more unanswered trys, two of which were in injury time.

Redditch can take a lot from this game. Several key players were missing from selection so one or two lads had to play out of normal position, and all stuck to their new tasks well.

So although the score line flatters Stourbridge, Redditch can go forward into the league campaign in the knowledge that with a lot of hard work they should be able to acheive their goals set for the season.

Man of the match: Pete White.