REDDITCH are staring relegation in the face after they suffered a 47-14 beating at Burbage in Midlands 4 West South.

The hosts are situated near Hinckley, with whom they have a strong relationship but their ground was throw back to roots rugby.

Their line markings were hard to see and Will Ballion was quick to capitalise on fumbling in the Burbage defence.

Ballion pounced on the loose ball to touchdown and the try was awarded.

It was then pointed out to the referee that the ball had already crossed the dead ball line, which could hardly be seen.

An scrum followed but Ballion wouldn't be denied, carving his way through for a simple try which Sam Gladwin converted.

This was to prove the highpoint of Redditch's afternoon.

Jack Duffy suffered a torn calf muscle and had to be replaced by coach Simon Fitzpatrick.

Moments later fly-half Lewis Saddington came off worse following a clash of heads and with no more replacements, Redditch were reduced to 14 players for the final hour of the game.

Burbage took full advantage of the extra man to score four converted tries by half time.

Redditch responded by scoring again early in the second half, Gladwin released Phil Harding to score his first try for the first XV, Gladwin added the extras.

Burbage were restricted to a couple of converted tries until Redditch went down to 13 players for the final quarter when Gladwin went off.

Despite their lack of numbers, Redditch only conceded one more try in the final 20 minutes as they battled to plug the gaps created by departed players.

The result means Redditch must beat Claverdon in their final fixture this Saturday and then hope that bottom side Tenbury can somehow turn the tables on Birmingham Civil Service.