A bit late this week…still coming down off “Cloud 9″ at the moment
following Monday’s EGM and the huge vote in favour of progressing to the
next stage of our plans to move to a new stadium at Tolgus Farm. As I said
on Monday, we, as a club, are very keen to progress and if we are to realise
this quest then we have to move forward in more ways than one. We need a
sustainable business to provide the foundations and we need a brand that we
can sell, by approving this progression we are on the way to bigger and
better things. It would be very easy for me to condemn some of the negatives
that have come from certain quarters, but I don’t think I have to…the
“True Redruth Supporters” have shown their support and hopefully we can move
forward and deliver the dream!

The Presentation Night went off really well, although there are probably a
couple of things we would do differently next time. I was pleased to be able
to tell people that PJ has signed for another season and that a number of
last years squad have also committed. We have given some of our promising ex
Colts senior contracts for the first time and I’m sure that some of these
will be making their senior debuts soon. Both Nigel and I are currently
tracking a couple of players and we hope to have news soon. Also, we are
actively progressing some coaching expertise to assist Nigel next season and
we are close to making an announcement there. All in all lots going on to
ensure that we are prepared for the start of the season which is only 12
weeks away!!

Looking forward to next season, you will note that our home fixture against
Lanson is scheduled for the 23rd December, the same day as the Cornish
Pirates entertain Plymouth Albion at Camborne. I have asked Lanson to
consider changing our fixture to the 30th, but after consideration they have
declined. It’s a real pity that they could not accommodate this as it would
of attracted a huge crowd on an otherwise free Saturday. However, the
reasons given are understandable and we now have to make the best of the
23rd!

On the other side of the world, the home countries start their international
tours this weekend. So that means prediction time again!!

Australia 23 England 25

New Zealand 42 Ireland 18

South Africa 31 Scotland 15

I think the 1st one is a real long shot, but I hope England do well. They
have changed the coaching team and with Brian Ashton there you can be
guaranteed a real attacking brand of rugby. Also Pat Sanderson is skipper
and he is a player that I respect incredibly. His commitment, passion and
energy should be noted by some of the more regular players who are at home
at the moment and I hope he makes a back row slot his own on this tour…..

Back next week…maybe!!

David Penberthy

Rugby Manager

Gallery Available Now!

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Club on Thursday May 19th. About one hundred members packed in to hear reports and feedback from the Executive Committee, all happy faces following the Club’s most suucessful season ever.

The major news, other than a certain Executive Commitee member buying a round of drinks at last, is that the Club have entered into long-term discussions with a view to a move to a new site on the old Redruth by-pass opposite Redruth School, known as Tolgus Farm.

Whilst nothing has been finalised, and talks are exploratory, an overwhelming vote in favour was taken and talks will continue involving the Trustees, Cornwall Objective One Limited, CPR Regeneration, other local partners and, of course, the Club itself. Executive Chairman Ron Spencer highlighted the need to look forward towards the next 100 years and beyond, and providing a modern stadium and increased facilities on a 15 acre site, double the acreage now, would help secure Redruth RFCs reputation and standing in the local community and beyond.

Nigel Hambly and David Penberthy thanked everyone for their tremendous support and efforts this season, Nigel highlighting that “pulling together in the right direction” has brought us to where we stand today, but that a monumental effort is required by players, management, volunteers and supporters alike to sustain and build on this. Nigel further stressed the need for more and increased Sponsorship next season to help bring this about. Direct player sponsorship would be actively encouraged, please contact Nigel, David or Gavin Richards to discuss this. They would value your call.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has helped this year. It never stops, and September 3rd will come round very quickly. A number of new players are in discussions to bolster the squad, Ashley Morcom has signed from Penzance, watch this space for more news throughout the Summer !

Peter Joyce and Simon Peters have been selected to tour New Zealand with the British Colleges during the Lions Tour. They are pictured below after the recent trial game against the Bath Academy Team.

Cornwall v Warwickshire Sat May 21st ko 3pm. At Redruth.

Sadly, Cornwall’s valiant performance on a cold and breezy early Summer day , running out 68-12 winners, was not quite enough to overhaul Devon, themselves 25-10 victors at Lydney against Gloucestershire, and who now proceed to the final at Twickenham next Sunday. Well done to Cornish skipper Craig Bonds, ably supported by fellow Reds Julian Hosking, Mark Richards and Sam Heard. Nathan Pedley and Lewis Vinnecombe, injured, and the vacationing Mark Harper, must also be given credit for helping Cornwall achieve second spot in the group, securing their premiership status for next season, and with it the likelihood of two home games next year.

Please look at the gallery for some photos of this match.