Five tries see off Redditch challenge

The venture into Worcestershire was a fruitful one for the red and blacks as they ran in five tries – and left knowing it could have been many more.
It was the club’s opening first team friendly following hard fought all-club trial matches with Burbage and Keresley, ahead of this Saturday’s visit of Staffordshire outfit Cannock before the Midlands 4 West south opener against Claverdon on Saturday, September 8.
The new half-back partnership of Andy Redman, signed this summer from local rivals Atherstone, and fly-half Lewis Brightmore, returning from a spell at Market Bosworth, were paired together once more with encouraging signs for the season ahead.
A first team debut was handed to inside centre Michael Clarke and David King was promoted to the first team to bolster the back row.
Manor’s first try was from an unfamiliar source as Gareth Hammond capitalised on an ill-advised quick line out to gather possession and run home untouched.
Full-back Cameron Forryan ran home a try before Redman’s quick tap penalty and dummy earned him a clear route to the line – the number nine also added two conversions to record a personal tally of nine points.
Tight head prop Chris Cook is proving to be a useful additional score contributor for Manor Park as he cut an unstoppable line from seven metres out to power over the line for his second in as many matches.
The versatile Goode once again underlined his credentials by scoring Park’s final try, picking up a loose ball five metres out to burrow over near the uprights.
Redditch had good spells of possession in the game and contributed fully to this encounter, but lacked the cutting edge to cause Park any major headaches.
The Midlands 3 West South club bemoaned a number of play unavailablities but Park themselves could argue they were without five or six possible first team starters for this match up.