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Redditch v Oxford games are always traditionally tough, tight matchups which go down to the line and last Sundays
encounter was no exception. In a tough defensive battle the visiting top of the table Saints prevailed with a close 14-13 win.
With both teams missing key players and having makeshift offensive lines, the game was never going to be an
offensive feast of football, however as the game progressed it was both teams passing game that proved to be the decisive factor.
Oxford took the lead early on when following an Arrow fumble which left them on the Arrows 20 yard line, they then
completed a 9 yard pass and a successful 2 point PAT for an early 8-0 lead. Both teams then had a series of possessions without really making any headway.
In the second quarter the Arrows were forced to punt from their own 5 yard line, but an Oxford 'roughing the kicker
penalty' gave the home team the get out of jail card and the first down. Arrows QB Richard Wilde then hooked up with Phil Grove for a 49 yard reception to put the Arrows in striking distance
on the Saints 5 yard line. Dave Mills then went in on a 5 yard rush to reduce the deficit to 1 point at 8-7.
The second half saw Oxford again apply early pressure and this was rewarded when they completed a 40 yard pass to
extend their lead to 14-7.
With the Arrows offense now struggling, it was their defense that really opened up the game. Arrows Defensive back
Jon Ward picked off a wayward Saints pass and returned it 63 yards down the sideline for the score. The Arrows were now faced with the dilemma of whether to go for a 1 point conversion to tie
the game or a 2 point to take the lead. Choosing the more adventurous 2 point option, Alan Harris looked as if he had snatched the lead but after long deliberation by the officials was
rules to have been grounded just before crossing the line and disallowed the 2 points.
Oxford got the ball back with 2.30 remaining in the game. The Arrows used up their time outs to manage to get the
ball back on their on own 20 yard line with 1.50 left on the clock. Unfortunately with no timeouts left, they had to go to the air and an Oxford interception ended the home teams hopes of
taking the win.
On the day Richard Wilde completed 7 passes out of 22 for 131 yards, Phil Grove had 5 receptions for 105 yards (a
career high) whilst on defense Will Powell recording 7 unassisted 3 assisted tackles, Andy Mortimer was 5 & 4, Noel Fischer 3 and 3.
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