Redditch Arrows 26

Reading Renegades 3

REDDITCH Arrows made it five wins in a row on Sunday to reach the mid-point of their season undefeated.

But it was a solid, rather than spectacular performance that put the notch in the win column, as visitors Reading Renegades put in a gutsy performance belying their lowly position in Division 2 West.

The Arrows struggled to get their usually explosive passing game on track, completing only 2 of the 21 passes attempted.

That meant the workload was shouldered by the ever reliable running-back Dave Mills (25 carries for 171 yards, 1 touchdown) and his backfield partner Mark Collett (12 carries for 97 yards).

The Arrows defense was typically stingey in the first quarter, setting the offense up in good field position for their first score.

That honour fell to receiver Neil Solomon who scooted 18 yards for his first touchdown in Arrows colours. The kick was botched, leaving the first quarter score 6-0 to the Arrows.

The second period continued in the same vain with the Arrows defense giving no ground. Mills carried in from the one yard line, quarterback Richard Wilde hitting receiver Steve Bell for the two-point conversion.

Shortly before half-time another Arrows drive culminated in receiver Phil Grove having his chance with the ball, which he did not waste, weaving 15 yards for another touchdown and a 20-0 half-time advantage.

Both teams started the second half in fairly lacklustre style, the highlight of the third period being two trademark hits from cornerback Andy McAnenny.

The fourth quarter saw the Arrows add another touchdown to their tally as receiver Solomon had clearly got a taste for the endzone and was able to run in from ten yards out for his second score of the day. Kicker Jon Riddell narrowly missed the PAT, leaving the score 26-0 to the Arrows.

The Renegades were clearly not going to give in and, following a 33-yard burst by running back Clive Lyttle they found themselves threatening the Arrows goal-line. A stout defensive effort meant that they had to settle for a field goal by kicker Neal Kent, bringing the final score to 26-3.

The Arrows are back in action on Sunday when Manchester Titans are the visitors to Kings Norton RFC (ko 2.30pm).