Sat 10th Feb Camborne v Redruth Cornwall Cup Quarter Final kick-off 2:00pm.
Sat 10th Feb Wadebridge 2 v Redruth Colts U-19s Kick-off 12:00.
Sun 11th Feb Westcountry Warriors v Development XV kick-off 2.30pm
......The above is a new fixture.............
Sat 17th Feb Wharfedale v Redruth (away)
Sat 17th Feb Baa Baa's v Penryn 2 kick-off 2:30pm.
Sat 17th Feb Redruth U19 v Penryn U19 kick-off 2:30pm.
Sat 24th Feb NO FIRST TEAM GAME
Sat 24th Feb Camborne 2nds v Baa Baas
Sat 24th Feb Bath U-18s v Redruth U-18s
Sat 3rd March Redruth v Nuneaton kick-off 3pm.
08/02/2007
Rather strange weekend for me this weekend, in fact it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Firstly came the superb performance on Saturday that secured the 4 points against a very well organised Henley side. Many have said that this was the best game seen at Redruth this season…it certainly was the most physical and demanding game I have seen in a while, but I did think we could have capitalised on certain occasions in the first half that would of given us a bit more of a cushion. However, we didn't and Henley came out in the 2nd half and threw all they could at us. The defence on both sides was immense and, once again, it was a massive team effort that got us through.
Every player played a huge part and should take credit…to Jon and his team we do wish you the very best for the rest of the season and we will be following your results with great interest!....I'm sure you are not out of the mix just yet!
So after the high of Saturday came the absolute low on Sunday…..my lad was playing for the Reds Under 15's against Taunton Under 15's at Redruth. It was the first meeting between the 2 sides and it enabled my lad to play against a load of his school mates from Taunton….the only thing was though he didn't last too long, breaking his collar bone very badly after about 10 minutes play following a pretty late challenge from an opponent. This resulted in 6 hours at Treliske and about 10 weeks out of the game for him…oh well all in the life of a rugby player I suppose!!!!.......(if his Mum hears me say that she'll "kill" me!)
Good news on the signings front…..Craig Bonds has agreed a 2 year deal to stay at the club and has been re-elected captain for the 2007/2008 season. Other players who have signed in the last week are Mark Richards and Damien Cook on 2 year deals and PJ Gidlow on a further 1 year deal, but PJ is considering an extension of 1 year to that contract. Other players are at the point of signing and they will be announced in the next week.
Well, what a great weekend for Phil Vickery….he gained his 50th cap and lead England to a resounding victory against a Scottish side that didn't really live up to its pre match promise..mind you when you have someone like Jonny Wilkinson making a return such as he did, you are always going to be on the back foot….
Wilkinson was awesome and must instil a glimmer of hope in English fans hearts of a good performance, by England, at the World Cup later in the year….injury permitting of course!! Also good to see Tindall back to form and Ellis giving a great performance at 9…the real test for these players will be Croke Park in a few weeks time when they come up against tournament favourites Ireland.
Congratulations also to Rob Thirlby who was part of the England 7's team down under in New Zealand last weekend. England unfortunately lost in the quarters to the hosts 14-7 but did win the Plate defeating the French in the final and gaining a valuable 8 points in the IRB 7's Table. Rob moves onto San Diego this week for the American leg of the tournament and then returns home and hopefully will be available for the Reds.
Now then, this weekend see the first "competitive" match between Camborne and Redruth for about 4 seasons…..many will no doubt argue with that comment because they will say all games are competitive between the 2 sides…I totally agree but this game does have something more than the local rivalry attached to it..its a place in the CRFU Cup Semi Final.
One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to achieve success in this competition, so we will be going all out to achieve that on Saturday. Many people are wondering what our selection policy will be, what I would say is just read my last comment…surely that answers the question! Kick off for this game will be 2:00pm. Please get their in your numbers and get behind the boys……we all say there is nothing better than a full bloodied derby game…I am absolutely certain Camborne will be up for it..we have to be as well and I am sure we will be!
Other games in the competition sees Perranporth and Truro going head to head and Hayle playing against the Cornish All Blacks. In the other quarter final Mounts Bay play St Ives.
At the time of writing this I am still not sure if this game is going ahead this weekend. I will surprised if it is rescheduled because of Mounts Bay's EDF involvement, as I was categorically told a few weeks back that the decision had already been made that these games HAD to be played by the 11th February and that was it! My reasons for asking were about our possible involvement in the 5th round of the EDF Trophy and possible fixture clashes etc arising, but as I have been told on many occasions since, "I pee'd before the water came" and my questions were immaterial as we were knocked out by Lydney!.....it doesn't really bother me when its played but I can see a CAB's/Redruth semi looming!......
Internationals again this weekend….here are my predictions:-
England 47 Italy 15
Ireland 18 France 17
Scotland 18 Wales 32
Rubbish again I expect but who cares!!
Finally, our next 2 home games will be vitally important to us in our quest to finish as a top 4 side. I was a bit disappointed with the crowd numbers on Saturday, although the noise and atmosphere you created was superb. Please get hold of people to come along to the Nuneaton and Barking games and lend their support to the team. I so wish we could see a crowd like the one we had for the Play Off's a couple of seasons ago….or even numbers approaching the Blackheath game... Come on I know you are out there……lets see you all there at the beginning of March!
That's it for now…back next week.
David Penberthy
Rugby Manager
07/02/2007
06/02/2007
I missed Sarurdays Colt match at Launceston ( Saw the Reds great victory over Henley) which saw a vast improvement from the Penryn game last week, and has kept the team on course in the Under 18 Cornwall Cup.
This weekend the Colts will be playing a Wadebridge development XV at Wadebridge midday KO. We are looking for a game for our under 18s this weekend as we have a break in the cup competition.
If you are looking for a match give me ( mobile 07773 368704 ) or Simon Blake a call.
Launceston Colts 13 Redruth Colts 20
Redruth Colts returned to form with this victory at Launceston. After a slow start trailing at the break by 6points to 5 the young Reds found there feet in the second period running in 3 tries from wing Scott Murray full back Adam Harris and prop Ben Jenkin to add to the first half score by Nick Simmons.
05/02/2007
Redruth coach Nigel Hambly was full of praise for his side after they dug deep to record a hard-fought victory over fellow high-flyers Henley Hawks at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
On a sunny late winter's day, and with a passionate and noisy crowd behind them Redruth were heroes to a man, with huge cheers all round at the final whistle.  
A solid first half display saw the Cornish club turnaround 10-0 up courtesy of a Mark Richards try, converted by fly-half Mike Hook, who was also on the mark with a penalty. 
However, the Oxfordshire-based visitors hit back strongly in the second period as the Reds were forced to withstand a heavy battering from the Hawks, whose afternoon was compounded with the news that the Cornish All Blacks had reclaimed second spot following their success at Halifax.
For the Reds, though, the chance of their best-ever National Leagues finish remains firmly on track. Yesterday's success was their 13th league win of the season and it was a success that has left some observers at the Rec believing their team could yet snatch the division's runners-up spot.
Hambly remains cautious over such talk, instead he was just happy to reflect a vital victory for his team. He said: "It was a real good win for us. The boys dug deep, especially in the second half, and they got their rewards with the win.
"It was tough out there today. Henley played their part, they really came at us at times, but we were strong and had a real belief about ourselves."
In a tense opening to the match, both sides looked to gain the early ascendancy up front. However, it was the visitors who came within a whisker of breaking the deadlock on five minutes, good approach from No.8 Dave Archer and winger Adam Gill created the opening for centre Luke Burns to go over. Sadly for him, referee Steve Leyshon had spotted an earlier infringement and his early touchdown was soon chalked off.  
As play swung from end-to-end, it was Redruth who gradually began to take a grip on the game. Having threatened with two or three opportunities, they finally made their pressure tell on 23 minutes when scrum-half Richards sniped over from close range, Hook bagging the conversion for a 7-0 lead.       
The home number ten was soon adding to his tally on the half-hour mark,this time punishing the Hawks after they had strayed offside inside their own 22.
It was certainly just reward for the Reds. Overseas stars Mark Bright and PJ Gidlow were constant threats with their hard-hitting runs at the visiting defence, whilst Luke Collins and Damien Cook enjoyed real success in the line-outs. 
Henley fly-half Mitch Burton had the opportunity to cut the deficit in first half stoppage time with a 25-metre penalty, but his fluffed his effort wide of the posts and it was the Reds who were the happier as they headed for the changing rooms.
On the resumption it was Henley who were first out of the blocks. Early pressure was averted by the Reds, but on 51 minutes they finally broke their duck when referee Leyshon punished the home side with a penalty try, this after flanker James Mann had tried to kick the ball out of the side of a scrum. Burton obliged with the extras to cut the deficit to just three points.
Redruth's response, however, was immediate as within three minutes they had re-established their buffer, Hook firing over a sublime drop-goal following a pass out from Richards.
The Hawks, though, refused to lie down and once again struck back instantly, Burton firing over a penalty to leave just three points in it as the game entered into it's final quarter. 
Despite bossing possession for large parts of the closing minutes, Henley's hopes of a last-gasp victory were thwarted as Hambly's heroes rallied to a man, thwarting the Hawks every advance with some defiant defence.     
Above, one of Redruth's heroes, Owen Hamby, with Damien Cook growing out of his head.
David Bone, Managing Director of Somar International, presented Redruth's Luke Collins with the Man of the Match award.  
Prior to kick-off, long time Reds fan and volunteer Peter Bosanko was presented with a signed programme and framed photograph to commemorate his 100th league match on the scoreboard. Peter has, in fact, well over 320 games under his belt, and maybe the late Arthur Faull is looking down with a knowing and happy smile. 
Our thanks also to Andrew Howell and Stuart Whitworth for arranging the splendid Minis game at half time, well done to St. Agnes for a close win, and to the young lads and families for supporting us. 
Redruth scorers:
Try - Richards; Conversion - Hook; Penalty - Hook
Henley scorers:
Try - Penalty Try; Conversion - Burton; Penalty - Burton 
Redruth: P Thirlby; M Lea, C Bonds (capt), PJ Gidlow, S Peters; M Hook, M Richards; D Jacques, O Hambly, P Joyce (A Morcom 72); D Cook, L Collins; N Pascoe, J Mann (J Navin 80), M Bright. Replacements (not used): S Brown, B Priddey.
Henley: J Farndon; D Tibbett, P Dunckley, L Burns (B Reeves 72), A Gill; M Burton, J Gaunt; A Le Chevalier, L Wordley (capt), T French; J Winterbottom, R Hurrell; M Payne, S Williams (G Chamberlain 72), D Archer.Replacements (not used): J Hadfield, T Muggridge.
Referee: S Leyshon (RFU)
Attendance 865.
Match Sponsors - Eden Print and Lloyds TSB.
Match Ball - Alan " Taffy " Hughes.
Reporting courtesy Mark Stevens, Western Morning News, photos David Thomas.
04/02/2007
The next get-together of the Redruth Supporters Club will be held next Thursday, February 8th, in the Main Bar from 7.30pm. Highlights of the Cambridge game will be shown, plus some fun Bingo with top prizes !!!.
03/02/2007
Following the final round of trial matches at Castlecroft this last weekend, it has been confirmed (on the RFU web site) that Redruth Under 16’s hooker Jimmy Stevens has gained selection to the England Under 16’s squad for the forthcoming season.
Jimmy is one of 62 players named who will make up the England and England A squad for internationals that will take place in April. Jimmy’s next assignment will be a 5 day Development session at Castlecroft Wolverhampton from the 14th to the 18th February which will culminate in the England A side playing the Midlands Under 16’s and the England side playing a Millfield/Bryanston Select Under 17’s team.
Following these games the England side will play in a tournament against France, Italy and Wales in the Midlands from the 5th to the 11th April and the England A side will play in an International festival at Millfield from the 1st to the 8th April.
Jimmy has been a regular member of the Redruth Mini and Junior sides and is from a strong rugby playing background with both his brothers, Tony and Louis regulars at St Ives and his Dad, Louis Senior, a former St Ives and Cornwall player. Good luck to you Jimmy from everyone at Redruth and hopefully you will get that England cap that your effort and commitment justly deserves…..
David Penberthy
Rugby Manager
01/02/2007
A tough weekend for the colts, a good victory over Camborne, but a worrying defeat for the Under 18s home to Penryn. We are suffering from injury and availability of several of the key under 18 players and will need to get them right for the knock out stages of the competition if we are to retain this cup.
What a difference for club members and spectators this season as opposed to last season. There were three matches at the club on Saturday which must have benefited the club financially and given the supporters and players a lift.
The evening saw a disco in the Main Bar hosted by the colts - which involved drink, music and dressing up. I will see if there are some pictures to put on the site.
This coming weekend we will be looking fo a major improvement by the side when we visit Launceston in the under 18 Cornwall cup.
Redruth under 18s 5 Penryn under 18s 7
Cup holders Redruth Colts suffered a rare home defeat in the Cornwall under 18s cup going down to a spirited Penryn side by 7 points to 5 in this group stage match.
On a day when they could hardly do anything right the Reds were still in a posistion to win the tie with a last minute penalty attempt. However, that would have been rough justice on a Penryn side who were dominant throughout the afternoon. The one bright spot for the home side being a fine solo try for scrum half Nick Simmons who ran from 60 metres beating several players before touching down.
Redruth Colts 31 Camborne Colts 10
Redruth secured a place in the Cornwall under 19 merit table final after a convincing victory over their near neighbours. The Reds were dominant throughout the match and could have scored a bigger victory but for a little over elaboration by the forwards who were determined to enjoy the day.
Scorers for Redruth:
Russell May 2
Ben Fox
Ben Taberer
Ben Greening
Adam Hosking 3 conversions.
30/01/2007
It was vitally important that we bounced back this week following our pretty dismal performance against Lydney in the EDF Trophy. Going into Saturday's game we were under no illusions of how hard a task was at hand. Cambridge have not had the best of records away from home, but had only lost twice at home to Stourbridge and Cornish All Blacks. They were confident and included a number of current and former Cambridge Blues. The scoreline, I believe, totally reflects the game, yes we made a number of unforced errors in the 1st half that kept them in touch, but come the 2nd half everything came good and we looked very impressive, so much so that Cambridge said we were the best side to have played there this year.
Their report on their website was pleasing to read, but just a couple of points to be made known….we did not get lost and end up at Grange Road, the home of the University team…..we had arranged to train there is the morning AND we did not have to reverse back down the road…John, our superb driver, did a 17 point turn in the road and we drove back down!!!!!! Sorry to the home owners who had a 52 seater coach reversing and going forward into their driveways!! The trip home was a long one, some 8 hours on the bus, but it was good to say the least.
Congratulations to Gary, nephew of Smithy, who gets his first game shortly for the Northampton Saints Academy. Paul and a number of his family are great supporters of the Reds and follow pretty much everyone of our away games and are often seen at the Rec when they can get back down here….Gary and the other boys have also been great help to us often filling and carrying water bottles and kit….Good luck mate and all the best from everyone here at Redruth.
I am very concerned over comments that have been made on the revamped Trelawny's Army forum about our Head Coach. I think it is disgraceful that such a post has been allowed and will only serve to bring other comments that are not only detrimental to Nigel but also the club.
This latest outburst on the forum, and the subsequent comments made, do not reflect the achievements of Nigel, he is so passionate about the club, its progress and its success it's untrue. We all talk about being "Red" through and through, well here's one guy who is, so much so that the club has agreed a new 2 year deal with him to remain as Head Coach.
As Head Coach Nigel has a job to do and is measured by his success, you can't really argue with that can you!! There are players from this current squad who are keen to sign for 2 years, others are happy to sign for one for differing reasons….
I am sure if you look at any sport you will find coaches etc who have expectations and standards, and if these are not upheld, then they have every right to do what they feel is best, but that remains between the management, coaches and player's…lets be honest people do look for the easy ride in life sometimes and when the "wake up" call comes the easiest thing to do is to start moaning….come on guys lets get real here, we are looking to move forward and we don't need this crap…..end of! Our squad has a fantastic team spirit that has been building game by game, if you are there you know what it is like! If individuals want to stoop this low I think it is very sad….
With that off my chest, the internationals return next week so I though I'd make my predictions. If you are a betting man, don't take these as good forecasts because my predictions last year were not good to say the least….here goes:-
Wales 26 Ireland 24
England 32 Scotland 18
Italy 14 France 25
I can see you reading this now and thinking…he's on another planet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..............England scoring 32 points, Wales beating Ireland…….you are probably right, but one thing I can guarantee is that a former Reds player will be captaining his country for the 1st time in a 6 Nations game and I believe it's his 50th cap as well….I reckon Phil has missed over 50 internationals during his career through injury as well. Whilst talking internationals, it was very pleasing to see the England 7's squad announced last week with Rob Thirlby being shown as a Gloucester/Redruth player……
What a disaster for Dan Ward Smith….just as everyone was thinking about a great talent breaking onto the international scene, he goes and dislocates his knee and ruptures his patella. The injury rules him out of the entire 6 Nations and must put doubts over his participation in the World Cup..I sincerely hope not as he is one hell of an exciting player! Looks like Jonny Wilkinson is in the frame for selection…I would have a go at predicting my England team, but with it being announced shortly …oh bugger it here goes!
Balshaw, Lewsey, Tindall, Farrell, Robinson, Wilkinson, Ellis, Payne, Thompson, Vickery, Palmer, Grewcock, Worsley, Corry, Rees…..
The Trevor Brennan incident that I mentioned last week has gained momentum and he now finds himself, along with Gareth Thomas, in the dock with the ERC. It didn't look a pleasant incident and the guy who got hurt certainly took a few punches. Brennan's actions then spilled onto the field and he ended up being yellow carded with Justin "The Plank" Harrison for fighting…good day at the office Trev!
Very proud day for me yesterday watching my lad and a few others from Redruth make their County debuts at Under 15 level against Dorset & Wiltshire at Newquay. Starting, Ben Drew played at full back and Aaron Penberthy was at scrum half. In the 2nd half, Kieron Thomas and Ben Gregor came into the side at wing and hooker respectively. The boys eventually won 22-20 with Kieron scoring a try and Aaron a conversion…..well done boys!
I think that is pretty much it for this week….hopefully a big crowd this weekend for the Henley game…see you there.
David Penberthy
Rugby Manager
PS Don't forget the kick off for the Henley game on Saturday is 2:00pm to allow people to watch the England game afterwards at 4:00pm.
29/01/2007
Redruth’s Head Coach Nigel Hambly agreed this game was a more realistic indication of his sides potential “For sure. It was a real good 80 minutes today. That is something we have not done too often this year, string two halves together. We scored 26 points in the 2nd half but I was just as pleased with 3-3 at half time” 
The Reds ensured there was no hangover from last weeks EDF trophy exit to Lydney “We have got an awesome team spirit, some people seem to doubt our spirit but games like this one today show how strong it is. To come away from home, it was important we made less mistakes, we made a few but we made them in the right part of the field. We’re building, we are not the finished article by any means but we are building on good foundations. Our defence is good, everyone is prepared to tackle, everyone does their job”.
On a good playing surface a mistake at the first scrum allowed Cambridge to pile pressure on the Reds in the opening minutes, Mark Richards made an important tackle to cut down home full back Alex Goode early on. “Not to concede an early try and let them get on top was important, that gave us a real good foundation. It came down to a 40 minute fight and we are pretty confident we can take anyone in the league over 40 minutes”.
Cambridge ended the spell of pressure when they took the lead with a penalty in front of the posts by Goode after 6 minutes.
Promoted three times in the last 3 seasons Cambridge, under the coaching of former Albion, Exeter & Pirates player James Shanahan, tried to play an expansive game but the tackling of the midfield trio of Mike Hook, PJ Gidlow and Craig Bonds repeatedly cut down attacks. Hambly added “When I spoke to Rob Thirlby after the game he said it is a breeze playing at full back because nothing comes through the middle. PJ (Gidlow) is getting the bit between his teeth after carrying an injury for half the season”.
Questions were asked of Hook’s defence off the back of scrums by powerful Cambridge skipper Glen Remnant, but the former Welsh under 21 international put his shoulder in to make important stops. In the second half Hook started to control the game and drew praise from Hambly.
“Mike Hook has caught some flack and to be honest some from me in the last month, that is the nature of the game in a key position. He is a good player, he is a 100% man, he always wants to do well and sometimes puts pressure on himself. The coaching staff have huge belief in him. Today he stood up in the tackle well, his kicking was excellent and his distribution was very good”. 
For 20 minutes Redruth with the front row of Darren Jacques, Owen Hambly and Peter Joyce getting on top pounded away at the Cambridge line, a series of knock ons prevented and scores until Hook landed a 30 metre penalty to level the scores after 25 minutes.
The teams went in level at the interval on a bright, mild winter day, a cold breeze blowing across the pitch reminding everyone we are still in mid winter. Referee Andrew Taylorson, being watched by international selector Tony Trigg, managed the game with just 5 penalties in the opening period.
The foundations for a Redruth victory were being laid. “When your front five work hard and make tackles it takes the pressure off the back row and allows them to play. Damien Cook and Luke Collins put in 20 tackles between them today, as they do every week, that is something special" observed Hambly. 
The opening try in the 52nd minute came largely through some individual brilliance by on loan Pirates hooker Owen Hambly. He gathered a chip out of defence by Goode 30 meters out and weaved his way through the defence to touch down a good try, Hook converting from a wide angle on the left.    
In the Reds next attack, Cambridge conceded a penalty 30 meters out, Hook kicked to the corner and Mark Bright was on the end of a catch and drive move from the line out to touch down his customary try which Hook converted from wide out on the left.    
Cambridge hit back immediately with a similar score by burly ex Bay of Plenty & Bedford hooker Kramer Ronaki which Goode converted from the right hand touchline. 
The coup de gras came on the hour mark when Bonds dived over in the corner after a determined run from Mark Lea created just enough space for the Reds skipper to dive over in the corner for an unconverted try. 
Paul Thirlby who has spent the last 12 months travelling around the world stripped off his tracksuit in the 68th minute to replace Simon Peters on the left wing, the first time Graham Thirlby’s two eldest sons have played together in a national league game. This was another plus for Hambly “Paul Thirlby is a good player, getting him back gives us an extra quality player in the squad. He is a division two player beyond any shadow of doubt”.  
With 9 minutes to go Cook took a pass from Hook and burst through the midfield defence in a well timed run to touchdown under the crossbar. Hook added the extras to take him to 185 points for the season.    
With 5 of the last 8 league games to be played this season at home Redruth now look forward to the visit of second placed Henley Hawks on Saturday. “We’ll not get carried away, we will relish Henley at home next week, it will be a huge test for us” added Nigel Hambly, as the coach set off for the long but happy trek home.  
Meanwhile, the players and coaching staff acknowledged the contribution from the travelling band of 25 or so supporters. Eleven had made the trip up from Redruth leaving at 6am and just made the earlier kick off time of 2pm. However, they were well rewarded with the result and enjoyed a good evening out in nearby St. Neots before getting back home at 4.30 on Sunday afternoon. The Cambridge Clubhouse positively vibrated post match with a Cornish buzz and some super singing.        
CAMBRIDGE
Try: Ronaki
Con: Goode
Pen: Goode
A. Goode; P. Reed, I. McInroy, J. Shanahan, C. Lombaard; D. Lewis (Rep B. Wynn 72 Min), R. Blake; R. Schiwikkard (Rep J. Ross 52 Min), K. Ronaki, T. Kirkman, M. Pinnaar, R. Candlin, M. Otter, J. Ball (Rep A. Phillips 3 min Rep J. Clark 72 Min), G. Remnant (Capt)
REDRUTH
Tries; Hambly, Bright, Bonds, Cook
Con: Hook 3
Pen: Hook
R. Thirlby; M. Lea, C. Bonds (Capt), PJ Gidlow, S. Peters (Rep P. Thirlby 68 Min); M. Hook, M. Richards,; D. Jacques, O. Hambly (Rep B. Priddey 73 Min), P. Joyce (Rep A. Morcom 72 Min), D. Cook, L. Collins, N. Pascoe, J. Mann, M. Bright (Rep J. Navin 76 Min)
Ref Mr A. Taylorson (RFU)
Photos: David Thomas and Kim Smith, reporting Edward Bawden courtesy Western Morning News.
28/01/2007
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