REDDITCH made a rousing start against Midlands 4 West South table toppers Burbage and shocked the leaders by taking an early lead.

Facing a Burbage side who have swept all before them this season was never going to be easy but Redditch dominated the opening phases.

Will Ballion had a couple of mazy runs while Nathan Marthews made plenty of ground as play revolved around Burbage's five metre line.

Flanker Matt Allen was held up over the line while Will James went close to breaking the deadlock before James

Mills finally broke their Burbage's defensive wall.

The next half hour proved an even battle but Burbage made the most or their opportunities while Redditch did not.

Redditch errors were pounced upon as Burbage built a 24-5 lead by half time.

The situation didn't improve after half time as Redditch were disrupted by a succession of injuries and enforced replacements.

Burbage smelt blood and went for the kill. They scored two more tries before Redditch responded when Josh Kearney punched a big hole in Burbage's back line before the ball was spun wide for Matt Allen to score.

Burbage hit back with two more tries as they picked out Redditch weak spots and capitalised upon them.

Redditch reaped a third try when Josh Kearney skipped home under the posts but they still finished up empty handed.

Burbage added two more tries as Redditch heads dropped with their backs having to supplement the pack.

Redditch remain rooted to the bottom of the table and are realistically going to have to win four of their remaining games to stand any chance of beating the drop.

Busy Redditch travel to local rivals Claverdon this Saturday, who currently sit third in the table.