Dramatic finish at Camborne – twice in a day
Redruth lost out to their old friends and rivals Camborne in the traditional Boxing Day fixture by 7-6 in a tight, tense but scrappy encounter, with little free-flowing rugby to warm the decent sized crowd of 800.
With the Colts going down 10-8 to Camborne in the morning after a last-gasp penalty was controversially adjudged to have missed, despite one touch judge flagging for the points, it was disappointing for the good number of Redruth supporters who made the long trip.
Turning round 6 points up at half-time thanks to two close-range Grant Thirlby penalties, the young Reds – fielding none of the squad who have featured in recent weeks bar Chris Fuca – more than held their own against a full Camborne first XV.
Nevertheless, with yellow cards in the game for Simon Lutey and Ben Fox, and the clock ticking away, Camborne pushed and shoved their way over with 5 minutes to go following a maul near the Reds posts, hooker Andrew Smith touching down and Josh Matavesi adding the all-important conversion to seal the win.
At the final whistle it was clear what the victory meant to the home side, as one supporter said it was as if they had won the World Cup. But fair play to them it was their first win of the campaign in what has been an arduous season for Camborne and we wish them well for 2008 in their efforts to avoid relegation.
The Junior Development XV beat Camborne 18-12 in the morning kick off at Redruth. Tries from Lee Curnow, Michael Laity and Ryan Bennett secured the win with a penalty from guest player full-back Carl Patterson.
For Redruth, their objectives are very similar. They started 2007 with a convincing win away at Harrogate, followed by a big crowd and convincing home win against Blackheath.
After the Cup blip against Lydney, Redruth were not to lose again that season, culminating in the Cornwall Cup win against Mounts Bay in April.
Hopes were high pre-season especially after a decent showing at Exeter and a workmanlike victory at home to Clifton.
The season proper, to date, other than the magnificent showing at home to Henley and the focussed performance at Halifax, has, with the odd exception, been a major disappointment. With no Cornwall Cup Final to look forward to, all efforts will be concentrated on National 2 survival, starting with Southend’s visit on 5th January.
With an almost unheard of 3 consecutive games at home in January, including the much-anticipated EDF National Trophy 4th round tie against London Welsh on Sunday 13th January, it’s a month the players and Club in general need your support. The players and coaching staff are certainly up for the challenge, team spirit is strong and belief high. With Redruth traditionally performing well post Christmas let’s hope it’s a trend that is continued.
Please come along, perhaps take up the
