Redditch brighten the gloom

The Kingfishers' slim hopes of avoiding relegation were helped by a well-deserved victory against fellow strugglers Stoke Old Boys.

On a heavy pitch Redditch managed to play adventurous running rugby and started strongly, driving deep into the Stoke 22.

The visitors were rewarded with a penalty which Wilson converted.

Redditch took control in the loose with effective rucking, especially by the front five, producing a regular supply for Morris to unleash the backs.

A second penalty was converted by Wilson but during a rare foray into the Redditch half, Stoke were awarded a penalty which was converted. Redditch stormed back, and fly half Morris put Aris in under the posts, Wilson converting.

Stoke replied with a clever try as their fly half kicked the ball from one side of the field to the other allowing the winger to run in as Redditch stood back in amazement.

The same fly half converted superbly from the touch line to make the half time score 13-10.

The Kingfishers added two tries after the break, the first when winger Hadley powered over and the second late on when a flowing move saw backs and forwards link and hooker Gilmartin score near the posts.

Wilson converted with the last kick of the game.