It was a case of so close yet so far for the Reds as they went down to their fourth straight away defeat this term. Nevertheless, there were many positives to take from the game, not least of which was once again the youthfulness of the team, a result which sees Redruth retain sixth place in League Two, equal with Launceston but just ahead on points difference.
After a scrappy and uninspiring first 40 minutes, spent almost exclusively in their own half, Redruth literally paid the penalty for infringing time and again, playing in to the hands of the All Blacks dead-eye loan signing Stuart Alred. At least the significant away support had something to cheer after the break as Lewis Vinnicombe ran in two tries, running almost the whole length of the pitch for the first to touch down a speculative but calculated and searching kick ahead. The second was the highlight of the whole game as the Reds sucked in the Blacks defence towards the Paygate corner, then spun the ball rapidly along the line, Donald and Gidlow interacting well to send Lewis diving in for his second in the same right-hand corner. 17-12 up with less than 15 minutes to play, we all thought this is it, an away win at last and our first in seven against our Cornish Rivals. Suddenly the cold temperatures didn’t seem to matter, and the perhaps disappointing crowd of 1200 settled down to a grandstand finish.
However, a knock-forward, some ill-discipline, another penalty for Alred, and suddenly the Home team had their tails up, and were rewarded in the dying minutes with an unconverted try from winger Nigel Simpson in the dressing-room corner. Launceston hung on and were hugely relieved to hear the final whistle.
Cornish Pirates Loan signings Sam Betty and Adam Nicholls made their debuts, and Gavin Donald started for the first time, kicking two very difficult conversions though he may be disappointed to have missed an easier opportunity on the half hour.
At least referee Dale Newitt from Northampton did not have to show any cards to either side, and there appeared to be no fresh injury scares to worry the Coaching and Physio staff.
It was an All Blacks hat-trick on the day : the Reds Seconds went down 15-22 to a Launceston Development XV in the morning at Redruth, and as the result from Twickenham filtered through, there was plenty of post-match comment to be heard in and around the busy bar area.
Redruth can now look forward to the home Powergen Cup tie next Saturday against Exeter, whilst Launceston continue their league season at Henley.
As always, a selection of photos can be viewed now on The Gallery.