The weather may have been cold, damp and dull but a ten try bonanza from a rampant Redruth certainly brightened the afternoon and warmed the hearts of the hardy, loyal faithful who braved the elements.
A much changed Stourbridge team from the one beaten at the Recreation Ground just three weeks ago could do little to contain the home side who were keen to make amends for the losses of the last two outings. Indeed, the 13 empty canoes found floating on the River Tamar maybe explains where the missing Stourbridge regulars were.
Redruth’s priority was to put in a convincing performance and get back to winning ways before returning to league action next week and this objective was comfortably met. Coach Nigel Hambly implored the missing fans who did not show on Saturday to come back next week. It's a 10 pointer against Henley in effect, and with Pirates playing the All Blacks on Sunday and Mounts Bay away, it will be a Christmas cracker of a game for all rugby supporters to enjoy.
Despite dominating the early exchanges it took the Reds twelve minutes to cross for the first try of the afternoon courtesy of a fine solo effort from Lewis Vinnicombe who started a run from deep in defence, chipped ahead and gathered to touch down under the posts giving Gareth Griffiths an easy shot at goal for the first of his seven conversions.
The home side looked confident with the ball in hand with forwards and backs combining well. Mark Bright made repeated inroads into the visitors defence and the back line worked well to involve both Vinnicombe and Paul Thirlby on the wings.
Glenn Cooper went over for the next try from a forward drive whilst Bright and Thirlby each touched down twice to give the Reds a thirty-eight point lead at the interval.
The second period saw the Reds continue to dictate the game with Mark Richards crossing the line and Bright and Thirlby both completing their hat tricks.
The downside of the afternoon for Redruth was the injury to Vinnicombe as he scored his second try of the day, sliding in to an advertising board as he finger tipped a chip and chase. A dislocated shoulder means that he could be out of action for six weeks or so.
A satisfied Nigel Hambly, Redruth’s Head Coach, felt that the afternoon’s endeavours would help to build confidence ahead of next week’s vital league game when Henley are the visitors. “Next Saturday is a huge game for us and we need a big crowd to get behind the boys. Thanks to those who came out today on a dreadful afternoon but we hope there will be a lot more support next week.”
The draw for Round Four of the EDF Energy National Trophy is on Monday when National One sides join the competition. Asked who he fancied in the next round Hambly’s response was, “Anyone at home!”
The draw will appear here on Monday afternoon, and the 4th Round itself is played on January 12th.
Redruth meet Stourbridge again in 2 weeks, this time at Stourton Park. There is no truth in the programme rumour that the two clubs are merging as "Redbridge" with a neutral ground to be sourced.
Redruth – Tries: M. Bright (3), P. Thirlby (3), L. Vinnicombe (2), G. Cooper, M. Richards; Conversions: G. Griffiths (7).
Stourbridge – Try: S. Robinson; Conversion: C. Rowley.
Attendance: 502 + 1/2 + dog
Referee: Mr E. Turnill (RFU) Touch Judges: Debbie Innes & Ian Pengelly
Redruth: C. Bonds (Capt.), L. Vinnicombe (P. Joyce 68), R. Meredith (N. Simmons 60), P.J. Gidlow (S. Peters 47), P. Thirlby, G. Griffiths, M. Richards, N. Douch (D. Jacques 64), G. Cooper (M. Gidlow 63), A. Morcom, D. Cook , L. Collins, N. Pascoe (J. Mann 60), C. Fuca (S. Wood 47), M. Bright.
Stourbridge: G. Summers, B. Barkley, L. Porteous (S. Price 49), S. Morris, M. Freeman (D. Pitt 41), S. Robinson, D.Pointon (C. Rowley 44), M. Samra (R. White 64), M. Able (C. Rowlands 63), C. Taylor, O. Ward (S. Homer 44, J. Jenner 60), D. Kelly, J. Abbott, S. Daws (Capt.), R. Cooper.
Redruth Man of the Match: Lewis Vinnicombe, as chosen by sponsor David Bone, Somar Interneational, Truro.
Match Ball sponsor: Mr Jeff Knuckey.
Match Report - Roger Watson
09/12/2007
Many apologies for not putting together any notes last week and for being late this week. I have just started a new job and just didn’t have the time to put finger to keyboard …. Honest!!!
Lets start with the Otley game, and it was disappointment all round really. To be fair they were a very good well organised side who defended their line as well as any side I have seen so far this season. Their defensive record in the league is the best and that was proved on many occasions as we threw everything at them. Mind you we did get over the line and had the privilege of “scoring” the only try of the match! It was unfortunate that we conceded the penalty try at the end but if we can take one thing from the game it was our guts and determination when under the cosh for long periods of the game. The weather did not help us, but on saying that we need to get used to conditions like this because the likelihood is we are in for a dismal winter!
Last Saturday we travelled to top placed Manchester, although I wasn’t able to make it, and, disappointingly, came away with nothing to show for our efforts. The game was lost in the first 10 minutes with Manchester moving into a 12 point lead in as many minutes. We played well in spurts after that, but never really looked like catching up. Thanks to the supporters who made the long trip.
This loss does put us in a disappointing position and also one which we need to get out of pretty quickly. We are 7 points adrift of Blaydon and with a home game against Henley on Saturday week and an away game against Stourbridge on the 22nd it is absolutely vital that we secure some points. We must remain in touch leading into the Christmas break and then make a concerted effort after Christmas to climb to safety.
I still remain confident in our ability to secure a National 2 place for next year, I know the players do and so do the coaches….hopefully the supporters do as well! We have a good number of home games to come, a few crunch encounters amongst them, and we hope to see as many of you as possible getting behind us.
There is a lot of speculation flying around at the moment about what effect the impact of the new agreement between the RFU and the Premiership clubs will have on teams in National 1 and ultimately what effect that could have on clubs in National 2 and below. In short we could see National 2 becoming a regional league again with a North and South split. A remote possibility could be that National 2 and National 3 North and South be combined and seeing it split into 3 leagues, North, Midlands and South!!
This is by no means sorted as yet and there are many aspects to take into consideration such as promotion and relegation, reduction in funding etc. On top of this uncertainty comes the news of minimum ground standards for clubs competing in National 2. One of the “requirements” being banded around is that clubs competing at this level will have an obligatory requirement to have playing standard floodlights….something which we nor Otley have at this time. In our case it would be crazy to go down this road especially as we still have plans to move to a new ground that will see us have such facilities as standard. It’s just something else for us to start worrying ourselves over!!
I watched a couple of the EDF Cup games over the weekend and how poor are the standards in that! To be fair they were pretty much dead “rubbers” and sides seem to be using them as opportunities to give squad players a run out, but it really is just another hindrance in an already crammed domestic rugby fixture list. Next week is Heineken Cup action again and then its back to the Premiership. I’m off to see the EDF Semis in March and at least there is one cracking tie, Leicester Tigers v London Wasps! The other Semi sees Saracens take on the only Welsh team left, The Ospreys.
Well this weekend we entertain Stourbridge in Round 3 of the EDF Trophy. There were many rumours and stories of Stourbridge sending their 2nd XV down but I can’t believe that for 1 minute! The National One sides enter in the next round, January12th, but let’s see what happens on Saturday first.
This will be our second encounter with Stourbridge in 3 weeks and in a fortnight we travel to Stourton Park for our return league match. In between we face Henley Hawks at home. Kick off for our next 2 home games are 2:00pm but after New Year our home January games will kick off at 2:30pm, that’s Southend and Cambridge.
With Christmas fast approaching there will be plenty of activity at the club so keep an eye out on the notice boards, and elsewhere on the site.
Also don’t forget the club shop for Christmas gifts etc. Mandy Bryant has done fantastic work on Sunday mornings selling stock to the Mini Juniors and Ross Tucknott has got the Reds Shop site up and running with the help of “Slightly Different”.
On Sunday 16th December the 1st XV squad will be spending the Sunday morning with the Minis once again. This venture has proved to be hugely worthwhile and continues to bring the section closer to the main club. It’s very evident by the kids faces of their delight to be coached by the favourite players……well worth a look if you have nothing else to do!
Congratulations to James Teixeira and Malcolm Hearn from the Under 16’s team who were selected for the South West Development weekend, they now await to see if they impressed enough to make the final trial this coming weekend……good luck to them both!
That’s my lot this week ….. hopefully back next week and see you all on Saturday at the EDF National Trophy game against Stourbridge …
Cheers for now
David Penberthy
Director of Rugby
06/12/2007
SATURDAY 15 DEC - after the Henley home game
PLAYERS/SUPPORTERS XMAS PRIZE KARAOKE NIGHT ALL WELCOME - WITH DISCO
THURSDAY 20 DEC 07 SUPPORTERS CLUB CAROL SERVICE WITH REDRUTH TOWN BAND - APPROX 8PM
SATURDAY 22 DEC 07
REDRUTH COLTS XMAS PARTY - 8PM START
SUNDAY 23 DEC 07
MINI-JUNIORS XMAS PARTY - TIMES TBC
MONDAY 24 DEC 07
SUPPORTERS CLUB GRAND RAFFLE AND XMAS PARTY WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FREE SWEETS FOR CHILDREN - OPEN FROM 11 AM
MONDAY 31 DEC 07
NEW YEAR’S FANCY DRESS PARTY DISCO - PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED - ENTRY BY TICKET ONLY - CHILDREN WELCOME IN BOTTOM BAR IF SUPERVISED
TICKETS £5 TO INCLUDE PASTY SUPPER - 7 TIL VERY LATE!!!!!!!
05/12/2007
On a blustery, squally afternoon at Polson Bridge, the young Launceston RFC academy side scored 8 tries & proved too strong for the visitors in this combined Cornwall Cup & Tamar League fixture. Both clubs had problems at fielding a complete squad for this game as their 1st XVs were playing away in their respective National Leagues with a number of 1st XV squad players out injured. The sides consisted of a number of promising players plus a few seasoned ‘veteran’ players that provided a very interesting & enjoyable game for the few brave rugby supporters that turned out at Polson on Saturday. Redruth had Neil Douch & a youthful looking Tony Cook in their pack, with Launceston giving game time to Keith Brooking & Dave Sims plus Ian Morgan, Ian Goldsmith & Glen Beaver on the bench.
Left wing Nick Holt opened the scoring for Launceston after 5 minutes following some fluid rugby that stretched the Redruth defence. Redruth playing the 1st half down the slope with the wind behind them, quickly replied with a fine penalty kick from stand-off Grant Thirlby. The young Launceston half-back partnership of Lewis Webb & Nick Grant used the steady supply of ball won by the dominant Launceston pack, to good effect & brought the best out of the centre partnership of Dan Prout & BJ Chapman.
It was BJ who scored his sides only other 1st half try, showing his pace, strength & determination to score on the right. Nick Grant kicked what turned out to be his only successful conversion of the afternoon. Redruth finished the half strongly, scoring 2 tries from Grant Thirlby & the quick left wing Tim McBride. Thirlby converted both to go in at half time with Redruth winning 17 – 12.
With the crowd listening to the live BBC Radio Cornwall broadcast of Bedford versus Cornish All Black game relayed over the Tannoy during the half time period, the second half kicked off.
This half, with the wind behind them,Launceston used the conditions intelligently & ran in 6 tries with Redruth pulling one back in the final minutes of the game from their replacement left winger. The Launceston backs scored via 2 more tries from BJ Chapman as he completed his hat-trick, young Tom Ross playing at full-back showed good pace to score wide out & Nick Grant darted in. The forwards dominated throughout, adding to the scoresheet with tries from No 8 Dave Kimberley & hooker Jordan Patey.
Referee was Paddy Dummet.
Teams.
Launceston RFC Academy. 15 Tom Ross, 14 Bundi Bundi, 13 Dan Prout, 12 Barry BJ Chapman, 11 Nick Holt, 10 Nick Grant, 9 Lewis Webb; 1 Keith Brooking, 2 Jordan Patey, 3 Mark Marsh, 4 Damien Chambers, 5 Dave Sims, 6 Mike Rawlings, 7 Ben Collings, 8 Dave Kimberley. Reps, Jason Ham, Mike Sumner, Glen Beaver, Gareth Tedstone, Bryn Jenkins, (not used Ian Morgan & Ian Goldsmith).
Redruth Development: 15 Edward Carne, 14 Phil Pearce, 13 Simon Peters, 12 Steve Kenward, 11 Tim McBride, 10 Grant Thirlby, 9 Jason Pengelly; 1 Neil Douch, 2 Ben Taberer, 3 Ben Greening, 4 Tony Cook, 5 John Martin, 6 Josh Morgan, 7 Steve Wood, 8 Ben Fox.
Scorers.
Launceston: Tries from Chapman x 3, Holt, Grant, Kimberley, Patey & Ross. Conv from Grant x 1.
Redruth. Tries from Thirlby, McBride & Adam Butcher. Conv x 2 & a Pen from Thirlby.
Thanks to Bob Wyatt Launceston RFC for the report, and to Redruth full back Ed Carne for his comments below:
"We went into the warm changing rooms at half time in the lead after the weather had taken a huge turn for the worse: it was cold, wet and very, very windy. The lead came following tries from Grant Thirlby and Timothy Mcbride who's pace and a good hand off got him on the outside of the Launceston defence.
Launceston took control in the 2nd half as they ran in a number of tries. Redruth managed a consolation near the end when we put a few phases together despite the conditions and a neat backs move saw young Colt Butch go over in the corner.
Josh Morgan thought he played well and wanted a mention whilst Stevey Wood and Foxy worked well in the loose. Woodsy put in some very big hits throughout the game.
Thanks again to Tony Cook for stepping in when needed. And Ghosty Gary Wills also made an appearance at 15 for the junior/ senior devlopment!"
03/12/2007
Head Coach Nigel Hambly reflected on Redruth’s indifferent display “Simple basic errors have ended up costing the game, my immediate reaction after the game is that Manchester scored off our mistakes, that’s the sign of a good side”.
Although disappointed Hambly was not despondent “We’re contributing to our own downfall, Manchester are top of the league but I felt we matched them all the way, credit to Manchester they were more expansive than us and played some nice stuff. When they did create I thought our defence scrambled well”.
Playing with the advantage of a strong diagonal wind on a pitch that was wet underfoot after heavy overnight and early morning rain Redruth lost the game after a slow start that saw the hosts take a 12-nil advantage in the opening 13 minutes.
Hambly reflected “We need to be a bit more streetwise, brighter, energetic, I know it’s tough when you come off a long journey, but we have been doing it long enough now to know you have got to be in the game for the first 10-20 minutes. Today we lost the game in the first 15 minutes when we were 12-nil down. They scored straight after half time from another mistake and that basically killed us”.
There were glimpses of Redruth’s potential during the game “I thought there were quite a few positives to take from today, we played some nice stuff at times, our defence was pretty good but we just did not get into the game. I’m looking for people to step up and take control. We lacked a bit of direction and became a bit lateral, we need to take the ball to the line a little bit more and draw the defence in. Passing laterally gives defences an easy time at this level.
The frustrating thing for Redruth supporters was the quality of the Reds two tries. Hambly acknowledged “Everytime we put three plus phases together we made a break, but we did not do it often enough”.
The match had a latin flavour with an international exchange Referee Alan Falzone from Venice making his first visit to England, having previously experienced refereeing in Scotland last season. Manchester included Sale Sharks Argentinian international flanker Gerano Fessia who ended the game with his arm in a sling after being tackled into touch near the corner flag.
In the Redruth side Cornish Pirates loan pair Sam Parsons and Sam Betty both started whilst 18 year old teenager Nick Simmons, son of John, Reds stalwart scrum half of the 1980’s, took his curtain call to the national rugby stage in injury time.
Manchester took the game to the Reds from the off and opened the scoring after 6 minutes when Andre Wilson twisted out of a tackle to break away from the defensive line to touch down near the posts for Richard Wainwright to convert.
When powerful centre Scott Rawlings, who was outstanding in midfield, cut through the reds defence 7 minutes later for an unconverted try the Reds looked to be in for a very uncomfortable afternoon.
However 4 minutes later Redruth put some phase together and Rudolf Meredith made the running for Darren Jacques to touch down a well taken try close to the posts that Gareth Griffiths converted.
At the start of the second half the training ground work of Manchester’s backs coach Steve Swindells paid dividends when good passing gave Matt O’Regan plenty of space to dive over in the left hand corner for an unconverted try.
Mark Bright did well to cover a long kick downfield from Wainwright after 54 minutes but the Reds were too slow to support and the Kiwi was robbed of the ball in a tackle to give Wilson an easy run in for his 2nd try.
Bright made amends 9 minutes later combining with PJ Gidlow and Meredith to touch down an excellent try close to the posts that Griffiths converted.
In the final 10 minutes another score could have given the Reds the consolation of a bonus point to take back to the Recreation Ground but Manchester controlled possession and position with most of the play in Reds territory.
Hambly concluded “We just missed out on a bonus point which would have been nice but we cannot afford to make a habit of not turning up for the first 20 minutes of games. People say we are too good to go down, the reality check is that we are in the bottom three, we have got plenty of games left. We have got to stick in there and it is for us to do. We knew the last 3 games (Stourbridge, Otley & Manchester) would be tough, I’m not too despondent at the minute but we have got to start winning some games soon.”
Elsewhere, the Development XV lost their Tamar Cup and Cornwall Super Cup game at Launceston 44-22 which in effect rules the Reds out from defending their Cornwall Cup with a home game against Mounts bay left to play.
Next Saturday will see a break from League action as Stourbridge return to play the 3rd round tie in the EDF Energy National Trophy. Kick Off 2pm and it's all pay, of course.
Manchester
Tries: Wilson 2, Rawlings, O’Regan
Con: Wainwright
Manchester - B. Coulbeck; W. Cliff, A. Wilson, S. Rawlings, M. O’Regan (Rep C. Buck 46 Min); R. Wainwright, J. Bramhall (Capt); M. Gadd (Rep T. Mantel 59 Min), H. Platt, N. Flynn, P. Ralph, M. Owen, J. Keep, G. Fessia (Rep C. Baldwin 71 Min), S. Moss
Rep not used A. Davies
Redruth
Tries: Jacques, Bright
Con; Griffiths 2
Redruth - C. Bonds, L.Vinnicombe, R. Meredith, PJ Gidlow, Sam Parsons, G.Griffiths, M.Richards (N.Simmons 80); D.Jacques, G.Cooper (M.Gidlow 74), A.Morcom (P.Joyce 51), D.Cook. L.Collins, N.Pascoe (C.Fuca 66), S.Betty, M.Bright.
Referee- Mr Alan Falzone (FIR)
Official Attendance -270
Thanks to the Western Morning News and Ed Bawden for their report.
02/12/2007
A good crowd of gamblers attended the Supporters Club Race Night last Friday November 24th.
The evening raised just over £500.
Highlights of the night were Roger Watson's uncanny ability to pick donkeys, PJ Gidlows birthday cake and Chris Allen's DVD playing! If you were there you will know what I mean. If not, please coma along next time as it's great fun for all ages, 18 -80.
Thanks to Kathryn, Derek, Bert and Chris for their help in running the event.
Thanks also to Mark Bryant and Angela Bright for organising two tables of racegoers and to Denise in the kitchen for the best curry in town.
And you can buy one after every home game !
More news soon on the next planned race night.
Thanks
Alan Nettle >
30/11/2007
The new Reds on-line shop at redsstore.co.uk, courtesy of Slightly Different, is proud to present its first Christmas offers! Browse around the great collection of Redruth RFC merchandise - from hoodies to umbrellas, T-shirts to teddy bears – and enjoy the convenience of our new shopping basket and checkout system, enabling you to pay for your perfect presents using either your credit card or straight from your own PayPal account.
Keep an eye out too for cut-price bundles over the next couple of months, and we’ll continue to expand the stock range across the rest of the season and beyond. We also take orders on out-of-stock items such as our men’s and women’s fleeces, which cannot be done at the club shop!
To help spread some extra Yuletide cheer, purchase from your PayPal account rather than by credit card and receive a free Redruth Rugby ballpoint pen for every purchase over the value of £40, or a free Rugby Shirt Keyring for purchases over £60!* Those of you more akin to Ebenezer Scrooge than Bob Cratchit can still share the fun by seeing which members of the mighty Reds merrily modelled stock with some festive headgear…
 
No prizes for guessing though!
Support the Reds by buying from www.redsstore.co.uk, and be sure to order early to ensure delivery before Christmas!
*For promotional conditions, visit the store site terms and conditions page.
30/11/2007
Bill Sobey reports that Redruth's in-form scrum-half Mark Richards believes his side are nearing a full recovery from their early season woes despite their recent defeat to Otley.The Reds battled hard, and could have won, against National Division Two's second-placed side. But a strong second-half showing by the visitors from Yorkshire condemned the hosts to a 13-7 defeat.
However, the home side took consolation from a losing bonus point to add to the five they gained after an impressive victory against Stourbridge the preceding week. And Richards says they are well-equipped for a tough trip to top-of-the-table Manchester this weekend to complete a demanding period against the League's high fliers.
He said: "We sat down two weeks ago looking at Stourbridge, Otley and Manchester - the top three in the League at the time. We knew then it was going to be a big spell for us.
"We knew we had to perform, and we knew that if we didn't play well this month we'd fall behind fourth from bottom by a lot of points.
"We've got to keep the pressure on Wharfedale. But looking back five weeks ago up at Blaydon and now we're putting in more of a performance.
"We've still got a lot more home games to play yet and Redruth is a very intimating place and a very difficult place to come and win. I think we're nearly there now, there's no panic stations here at the minute."
Richards, however, has few complaints about the result against Otley last weekend, but he admits the visitors handled the tricky conditions better and performed better over the course of the match.
Richards said: "You can't take anything away from Otley, they are a good side and one of the promotion favourites, but we stood up to be counted against them. The conditions levelled the platform and evened it out but to be honest they were the better side on the day.
"Their defence is well organised, and like against most teams in National Division Two, whatever we did, they were always there to knock us back. They obviously did their homework on us and we did the same on them which meant we cancelled each other out for most of the game."
Redruth appeared to be in a favourable position at half-time, leading 7-3, after Richards' try was converted by fly-half Gareth Griffiths in response to an earlier Otley penalty.
However, the visitors scored another penalty in the opening stages of the second half before being awarded a penalty try with just over ten minutes remaining.
The home side's attempts to defend their lead were hindered by a yellow card given to flanker Nathan Pascoe for kicking the ball away in frustration after a decision from referee David Sainsbury midway through the second half.
Richards accepted the referee's decision but admits it must have been a difficult one for the official. He said: "The penalty try was a big call from the referee. We defended well but to be fair, I think the result was a fair one and they deserved to win."
The scrum-half also rejected the idea that the a lack of discipline had cost them the game and instead playfully suggested that opposing teams should take most of the blame for any flare-ups involving himself or his team-mates.
He said: "They keep targeting me that's the problem. Why that is, I haven't got a clue! But it's one thing we always say as a team that we won't take a backwards step so we all have to stick in with each other whether it's right or wrong. We all have to stand by each other."
Richards deservedly won the man-of-the-match award against Otley in his second consecutive game in place of the injured Dave Pascoe. Richards said the award was timely lift for him after a difficult period.
"I am pleased with the man-of-the-match award and the try to be honest because my confidence was running a little bit low," he said. "I've got my shirt back. It was unfortunate for Dave Pascoe who broke his thumb but now that I've got the shirt I want to take the opportunity now and hopefully keep it."
27/11/2007
Redruth coach Nigel Hambly conceded his team were beaten by the better side after a 13-7 National Division Two defeat to Otley at the Recreation Ground.
The Reds' performance was far from vintage in difficult conditions against the second-placed Yorkshiremen, but the home side were in a with a chance right until the final whistle before being forced to settle for the losing bonus point.
And although Hambly admits it was a fair result, he says the level of disappointment and renewed expectation surrounding his side shows just how far they have come in recent weeks.
"Six weeks ago we wouldn't have been too disappointed to get a point at home against Otley," he said. "Today people are going home disappointed, but we've got to take it on the chin, we were beaten by the better team.
"You can't take it away from them, they came here and they tried. Their endeavour and their spirit were phenomenal and they deserved to win. We could have snatched it at the end, but they put enough pressure on us to win the game today so I've got no complaints."
Last weekend Hambly's men succeeded in getting the basics right on their way to a bonus-point victory over high-flying Stourbridge, but unfortunately, the ball was often made to resemble a bar of soap in a dour first-half this weekend.
Redruth scrum-half Mark Richards, who played better than most, set up an early chance with a break from midfield but his pass to PJ Gidlow was fumbled by the charging centre. More sloppy handling, this time from fly-half Gareth Griffiths under a high ball, invited pressure from Otley which eventually led to a penalty to the visitors. Fortunately, the kick went wide off the boot of captain Ian Shuttleworth.
Shuttleworth made better use of a similar opportunity midway through the half and put his side in front. However, Richards replied with a try in the left corner - brilliantly converted by Griffith - after his side saw phase after phase fail to break through the Otley line just in front of their posts.
In truth, the gap Richards found was only made big enough for him to squeeze through by the absence of flanker Nathan Bland following his yellow card for foul play, but at least the momentum appeared to have swung back in favour of Redruth.
Signs were promising for Redruth at the beginning of the second half despite another penalty from Shuttleworth, but the impetus was given back to Otley when Nathan Pascoe was shown a yellow card for petulantly kicking the ball away after possession had been awarded to Otley by referee David Sainsbury.
The Reds battled bravely against the powerful Otley pack but a try appeared inevitable the longer the visitors spent probing the depleted home defence. In the 72nd minute the Yorkshiremen were awarded a penalty try, converted by Shuttleworth, which even Hambly agreed was the least they deserved for their perseverance.
"That comes down to attitude, and theirs was a little bit better than ours today," he said. "We made a few mistakes and they capitalised on it, that's what good players do. It was disappointing that no one from our point of view stood up and took control.
"If people try and make mistakes, I can live with that, it's when we're not putting ourselves in those positions to make mistakes [that bothers me]. We got a little bit shy today, a little bit nervous and didn't take our chances.
"The referee makes tough calls and we've got to abide them. A lot of people look at that as a key incident in the outcome of the game and it probably was, but they had a guy sin-binned as well and we scored when they had a man down."
Redruth did make a gallant charge for the win late in the game, but the Otley defence was again too strong, and they eventually turned the ball over for a counter attack resulting in another penalty which Shuttleworth may have converted had the ball not blown off his kicking tee three times before his strike fell short and to the left.
Hambly said his side have little time to feel sorry for themselves if they are going to win points at top-of-the-table Manchester next weekend.
"We've got a real tough game next week at Manchester, and like I've said before there's tough games and then there's really tough games. We've had three in a row, but we'll work this week in training, hopefully put it right and the pressure's on to go to Manchester to get a result - it will be a test and measure of how far we've come in the last six weeks."
Report thanks to the Western Morning News, your local daily paper for all that's best in rugby coverage.
26/11/2007
It was the visitors who finally took the spoils in this full blooded forward orientated encounter at a cold, damp Recreation Ground and few could begrudge them their win. Otley celebrated as if their lives depended on the win at the final whistle, and fair play as the persistent drizzle and non-stop rain played in to the hands of their large and driving pack of forwards.
Playing up the slope in the first half it was Otley that broke the deadlock with a well struck penalty by full back and captain, Ian Shuttleworth after twenty three minutes of lively play from both sides which finally resulted in a prolonged period of sustained pressure from the formidable visiting forwards.
The Reds then went through the phases themselves and battered the Otley defence before Man of the Match, Mark Richards touched down for a try converted by Gareth Griffiths in the thirty-ninth minute to give the home side a narrow half time advantage.
 
This was an afternoon for both sides’ defences to show their mettle and the titanic struggle continued after the interval.
Otley pulled back to within a single point with Shuttleworth’s second successful penalty goal in the fifty-eighth minute and they continued to stretch the steadfast Redruth defence. The Reds had their chances to score but Otley kept their line intact.
With just eight minutes left on the clock and Redruth hanging on to their slender lead and camped on their own line they infringed once too often and referee David Sainsbury had no hesitation in awarding the penalty try giving Shuttleworth an easy kick to add the extras.
Roared on by the partisan 900 strong crowd the Reds came back strongly at the end but the Otley defence held firm.
Redruth Head Coach, Nigel Hambly, was full of praise for the visitor’s spirit and attitude but although disappointed to lose at home there was much encouragement for Redruth to take from this performance. Next up is a tricky away trip to league leaders Manchester.
Redruth – Try: M. Richards; Conversion: G. Griffiths.
Otley – Try: Penalty; Conversion: I. Shuttleworth; Penalties: I. Shuttleworth (2).
Yellow Cards: N. Bland (Otley), N. Pascoe (Redruth)
Attendance: 900
Joint Match Sponsors: Goldring Yates and WCA Chartered Surveyors, Camborne, and Robinson, Reed, Layton, Chartered Accountants, Truro
Man of the Match as selected by Simon Williams from Percy Williams Builders: Mark Richards.
Match Ball kindly donated by Williams Rogers Insurance Brokers
Referee: Mr David Sainsbury (RFU)
Touch Judges: Andy Watts and Mike Priestley
Redruth: R. Thirlby (S. Peters 19), L. Vinnicombe, R. Meredith, P.J. Gidlow, C. Bonds (Capt.), G. Griffiths, M. Richards, D. Jacques, G. Cooper (M. Gidlow 76), P. Joyce (A. Morcom 65), D. Cook , L. Collins, N. Pascoe, C. Fuca (S. Betty 58), M. Bright.
Otley: I. Shuttleworth (Capt.), S. Parsons, R. Whatmuff, P. Mooney, D. Smith, A. Monks, G. Easterby, S. Trethewey (R. Wederell 65), B. Steele (S. Plevey 47), K. Fullman, R. Snowball, P. Williams, J. Tiffany, N. Bland, M. Stockdale.
Replacements (not used): D. McCormack, X. Andre.
Elsewhere, the Colts U-18s won 44-0 at Newquay and the Junior Development won 26-14 at St Austell.
Junior Development scorers: Tries-May, Thomas, Pengilly, Fox.3 Convs-Pengilly.
25/11/2007
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