RUGBY: Impressive win for RugbyWelsh over second-placed rivals

Midlands 5 West (South)

Rugby Welsh 25 Redditch 6

Welsh strengthened their position at the top of the league with another impressive performance clinching a bonus point victory over second placed rivals Redditch.

In blustery conditions and in front of a good sized VP’s crowd Welsh faced the elements in the first half.

In the early stages Redditch’s strong pack looked to use their scrum and rolling maul to take control and they took an early lead with a well struck penalty.

Rugby Welsh soon responded with powerful breaks from No 8 Jason Warren setting a platform for the backline to attack the opposition defence.

Centre Adam Bond had an impressive game both in defence and attack and he intercepted a pass inside his own half and raced away from the cover defence to swallow dive over for an unconverted try.

On the half hour mark a flowing three quarter move from lineout possession enabled Ben Shepherd to score a well taken try in the corner.

Redditch narrowed the gap to 10-6 shortly before half time with another well struck penalty.

With the benefit of the conditions in the second half Welsh took control of the opening quarter with their pack preventing Redditch from playing their natural game.

Hooker Brett Ford was outstanding both at the set piece and around the park with half backs Jay Ellerington and Glenn Bond keeping Redditch in their own half with effective tactical kicking.

They extended their lead when a counter attack involving full back Tyerman and Warren enabled Jack Taylor to force his way over for another try which was converted by Glenn Bond.

The home crowd were sent into further raptures when shortly afterwards second row Jamie Roche picked up a ball on the ten yard line and raced away outstripping the opposition defence to score the bonus point try.

Welsh were now dominant and Glenn Bond kicked a penalty to extend the lead on the hour mark.

Redditch continued to work hard but Welsh were able to control the final proceedings with the whole squad again putting in a team effort to secure another satisfying victory.

Kenilworth Pirates 32 Rugby Welsh Barbarians 17

Barbarians had an enjoyable Friday night game under lights against an experienced Kenilworth outfit.

Whilst their opposition proved too strong particularly with their quick back row there were many positives for Welsh with less experienced players enjoying the valuable playing time ably assisted by more experienced veterans of the game.

Lloyd Pulford scored two well taken tries with Jordan Rowbottom scoring another for Welsh in an entertaining contest.

Welsh stay top of the table with just two defeats in their 15 games for a total of 63 points.

Redditch are on 49 and Chaddesley Corbett third on 47 with a game in hand.