The Rugby Paper

Reds run all the way to handy win

O Redcliffia­ns37 London Irish ..22

- By GEOFF SIBLEY

REDCLIFFIA­NS played their trademark running rugby and achieved the maximum five points in this basement clash.

Two tries in the first five minutes, the first by James Clements, the second by Christian Gervais, both converted by Kieran Hill, gave Reds an early 14-0 lead.

This was extended by a Hill penalty before Irish hit back when Brandon Baker barged his way over from a catch and drive.

The comeback was short-lived, however, as a break by captain, and man of the match Dan Fry put winger Clements in for his second, Hill this time hitting the post.

This was rectified when Hill struck a penalty on 37 minutes for a 25-7 half-time score.

Shaun Cunningham pulled points back with a try, converted by Liam Prescott, and a shudder went through the home crowd as Prescott ,with a penalty and Ryan Byfield with a further try, again converted by Prescott, brought the score back to 25 -22.

The attacking flair, however, returned to Redcliffia­ns and two further tries by league top try scorer Henry Bird, the second converted by Hill, saw them comfortabl­y home. It was good game to watch, with classic Irish scrum driving tactics, beaten by running rugby at its finest.

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