Redruth nearly suffered a scare, when they found themselves 10-5 down after 12 minutes. The Reds had started well with a try after 2 minutes from Ben Noyce. Launceston never ones to lie down, struck back with a fine try 8minutes later. From a spilled ball at the restart, Launceston won an important scrum and moved the ball wide to touch down in Hell Fire Corner.
Not use to being in this situation a few
This was an exciting local derby with Launceston taking the honours with a converted try in the last ten minutes, although Redruth had two difficult kicks against the strong wind in the final minutes which could have won the game.
Redruth had first use of the strong wind and slope but had to defend their line for long periods. Neil Corin doing a great job disrupting the All Blacks lineout on numerous occasions and the general defence of the team was outstanding. Redruth scored a try when Launceston were penalised and Bede Brown took a quick penalty feeding Ian Hambly coming into the line at pace who touched down in the corner. Scott Martin missed the conversion but added one penalty to the score out of three attempts in the difficult conditions. Redruth were defending towards the end of the half when John Navin received a yellow card. Launceston had a scrum near the Redruth line but were unable to take advantage of the extra man and the half-time score was Launceston 0 Redruth 8.
Redruth worked well again at the start of the second half containing Launceston attacks and driving forward well themselves. No sooner had Navin returned then Paul Thirlby received a yellow card, Simon Porter kicking the penalty awarded to Launceston and he added another ten minutes later. Martin replied with a penalty for the Reds. Launceston were beginning to look dangerous and at last began to use the wind to effect, they had one try called back for a forward pass before Daniel Morris scored Simon Porter adding the extras. This was much to the relief of the home crowd who were beginning to worry that Redruth might snatch an unexpected win. The Reds weren
Saturday 20th December 2003, ko 2.30pm
The squad is: Ian Hambly, Marek Chucher, Lewis Vinnecombe, Craig Bonds, Bede Brown (Capt.), Paul Thirlby, Scott Martin, Lee Curnow, Mark Richards, Neil Douch, Jon Wright, Nick Croker, Sam Heard, John Court, Glenn Cooper, Marc Harper, Andy Hawken, Nathan Pryor, Steve Instance, Nathan Pascoe, Neil Corin, John Navin, James Lancaster and Simon Griffiths.
Redruth under 13′s travelled back to St Austell to play the fixture that was cancelled in November when two St Austell players needed hospital treatment. Redruth surprisingly were one player short for this fixture due to injuries to regular players Jimmy Stevens and Aaron Hancock.
Redruth dominated this game from the start. Matt Cottle returning from injury played well in a new second row position. Tom Simmons was impressive as ever and added to his try count with four tries in this game. Ross Piekarz proved powerful and scored a great pack try. Richard Kevern, Jack Dixon and Tom Barr all added further tries, Kevern slotting 4 conversions. Final score Redruth 48 St Austell nil.
Reds travelled up the A30 to Launceston for their last game of 2003 hoping to produce a good performance and convincing win.
The game was played in 3 1/3rds to ensure that all members of both squads were able to fully participate. The pitch was very muddy and in some areas there were large areas of lying water.
Reds kicked off and for the first 5 minutes the game was played in midfield as both teams tried to come to terms with the conditions. Reds became more and more dominant and deservedly took the lead as Jake Butcher bulldozed through for a try. Aaron Penberthy added the extras for a 7-0 lead.
Reds tackling was superb (if at times a little too robust with a couple of penalties conceded) and Launceston found it difficult to gain any ground.
The 2nd period was controlled by the Reds and the highlight was Kieran Thomas intercepting a pass to run half the length of the pitch for an untouched try. Aaron Penberthy added the conversion and the lead extended to 14
Basingstoke opened the scoring early on with a penalty by Ian Calder. Redruth came back and forced a 22 metre dropout, Basingstoke were offside from this and a scrum on the line resulted in Simon Griffiths picking up and feeding to Bede Brown who drew the Basingstoke defence before passing to Lewis Vinnecombe who raced in for his first try. Scott Martin converted to put the Reds 7
Scorers
Westcombe Park Tries: – Tim Cornell, Miles Littlechild, Nathan Simpson. Pens:- Mark Garfoot 2.
Redruth Try:- Jon Wright. Pen:- Scott Martin. Con:- Bede Brown.
Team:I Hambly, L Vinnecombe, C Bonds, B Brown (Capt.), S Martin (N Thomas 73), M Churcher, M Richards, N Douch, M Harper (G Cooper 15), S Heard (J Wright 58), S Instance, N Pryor, J Lancaster, V Norman, N Pascoe (S Griffiths 34).
Referee: R Sawyer (RFU).
Saturday 6th December 2003, ko 2.30pm
The squad is: Ian Hambly, Lewis Vinnecombe, Lee Curnow, Craig Bonds, Bede Brown, Scott Martin, Marek Churcher, Mark Richards, Jason Pengilly, Neil Douch, Jon Wright, Nick Croker, Sam Heard, John Court, Glenn Cooper, Marc Harper, Andy Hawken, Nathan Pryor, Steve Instance, Victor Norman, James Lancaster and Nathan Pascoe.
