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The Redditch Arrows won their 5th game of the season at home on Sunday to reach the mid-point of their season
undefeated. But it was a solid, rather than spectacular performance that put the notch in the win column, as visitors Reading Renegades put in a gutsy performance belying their current
position in Division 2 - West.
The Arrows struggled throughout the game to get their usually explosive passing game on track, completing only 2
of the 21 passes attempted. That meant the workload was shouldered by the ever reliable runningback Dave Mills (25 carries for 171 yards, 1 touchdown) and his backfield partner Mark Collett
(12 carries for 97 yards). The Arrows defense was typically stingey in the first quarter of play setting the offense up in good field position for their first score. That honour fell to
receiver Neil Solomon, who took the hand-off on an end-around play and scooted 18 yards for his first touchdown in Arrows colours. The PAT kick was botched, leaving the first quarter score
6-0 to the Arrows.
The second period continued in the same vain, with the Arrows defense giving no ground and big plays coming from
linebackers Karl Watkins (interception) and Ian Looms (sack). This pressure meant that the offense could resume their grind it out approach, which saw RB Mills carry in from the one yard
line, with quarterback Richard Wilde hitting receiver Steve Bell for the two point conversion. Shortly before half time another Arrows drive culminated in recevier Phil Grove having his
chance with the ball, which he did not waste, weaving 15 yards for another touchdown and a 20-0 halftime advantage.
Both teams started the second half in fairly lacklustre style with neither able to get their offenses started and
turnovers being made by both sides. Cornerback Andy McAnenny intercepted two Renegade passes in the 3rd quarter, which along with a couple of his trademark big hits, proved to be the
highlight of the period for the Arrows.
The fourth quarter saw the Arrows add another touchdown to their tally, as receiver Neil Solomon had clearly got
a taste for the endzone and was able to run in from 10 yards out for his second score of the day. Kicker Jon Riddell narrowly missed the PAT, leaving the score 26-0 to the Arrows. The
Renegades were clearly not going to give in however, and following a 33 yard burst by running back Clive Lyttle they found themselves threatening the Arrows goal-line. A stout defensive
effort meant that they had to settle for a field goal by kicker Neal Kent, bringing the final score to 26-3 to the home side.
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