The season is finally upon us and after a reasonable pre season I now await the challenges that will present themselves with baited breath!! The season is very much about the unknown as we move into a new era with a side that is the youngest we have had for many seasons. It’s very exciting and I am sure the youngsters and our more experienced players will give everything they can – all we need now is your support!!

Pre season started on the 14th August with a good home win against St Ives followed by a hard fought victory over National 2 South outfit Taunton. A return fixture against St Ives that saw a convincing win last Tuesday night was followed by a solid performance and win at another National 2 side on Saturday. Yes it is great to have 4 wins but the results were not vitally important as we strove to sort out key combinations and allowing players some game time to achieve that all important match fitness.

Saturday’s trip to Dings Crusaders was extremely useful especially as we had a number of players unavailable and it gave us the opportunity to give a number of youngsters valuable game time. We also used the trip as a bit of a team building exercise with an evening out in Cardiff … needless to say this was enjoyed by all! Dings is an intimidating place to go but the hospitality is as good as anywhere. It was great to go back and see familiar faces again and also good to meet up with Steve Lloyd. I really wish them the best of luck this year and maybe we can make this pre season fixture a regular occurrence. I am sure they will give teams a tough experience on their patch and I will follow their results with great interest…

Obviously the happenings at Launceston have been high profile over the past few days but I was delighted to receive a call from their DoR Simon Owens on Saturday morning advising me of the outcome of their RFU hearing. Whilst they have lost points they have received the all important licence to play, albeit temporary at the moment, but as I said a couple of weeks back it is vitally important for us at Redruth and Cornish rugby in general that they maintain their status – as it currently stands their temporary licence runs out on the 4th October but providing they give assurances etc to the RFU they should be able to continue …. I hope so ….

I was amazed to read in this weeks Rugby Paper that Premiership Clubs, with the exception of Exeter, will receive between £750k and £900k’s worth of extra funding based around how long they have had Premiership status! (Daily Telegraph version of the story here) Obviously Exeter have just achieved that status and are set to receive a reduced amount. With clubs at our level – level 3 – receiving a pittance this year and nothing next year highlights the fact that we are no longer seen as a valuable entity in the rugby world. Sad days indeed and it is just a matter of time before we revert to regional leagues.

I believe our outlook on using and giving our talented youngsters and others within the county, who have the enthusiasm and drive to play at a higher level the opportunity, is now the only way to go and that is what we will do going forward. There are some good players around and I think we have as good a bunch as I have seen for a long time.

Obviously everyone is aware of the FHS (Frame Hospitality Suite) at the club and this will be open for this Saturday’s game against Wharfedale. It is an awesome building built and decorated by an incredible bunch of people led by Mark Bryant.

So, on Saturday we welcome Wharfedale and I think everyone knows they are my favourite club outside of Redruth. My mates Mick and Rodney (well I think they still are) plus Buzz are not travelling this year but I know they will be here in spirit ….our games against each other are always tough and have gone the way of our visitors on the last 2 occasions ….. it’s a great way to open our season ..

That is it for this week, I am currently in Felixstowe writing this, but making my way to Gloucester on Wednesday afternoon and will be there on Thursday but will be back for training on Thursday night … Friday well that is a short little jaunt to London ….. hey ho!

Cheers for now

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby

Redruth needed a strong second half performance to overcome a spirited Dings team by 5 tries to 3, in the Reds’ final pre-season friendly before their opening league match against Wharfedale at the Recreation Ground on the 4th September.

Both teams have plenty to take from an entertaining game. Neither side was at full strength and a number of younger players were given a run out as second half replacements, but Dings will take great heart from a dominant first half performance that saw them take a 15-10 lead into the interval.

Playing into the wind, Redruth opened the scoring with a well struck penalty by Aaron Penberthy from 35 meters. Dings then took advantage of Cornish mistakes to pile on the pressure and with Referee Richard Phillips playing advantage, fly half Tim Gear-Evans went over for a try near the posts that Sheldon Stevens converted after 7 minutes to put the home side ahead.

After Redruth winger Tom Notman was yellow carded for an offside Dings, who were playing their rugby with great continuity, got a good second try from a driving maul credited to prop Jerry Quick in the 16th minute.

With number 8 Gavin Curry outstanding, Dings were calling all the shots and dominating territory with Stevens adding a penalty after 25 minutes to extend the lead.

Just before the interval – in the Reds first real attack – Mark Bright found space around the edge of a ruck to go over for an individual try near the posts that Penberthy converted.

In the second period Redruth started to show more quality and, following a run by Notman, full back Richie Kevern soon went over for a try that Penberthy converted to put the Reds back in front just 4 minutes after the restart. A powerful surge from Luke Collins then ended with the Cornish lock driven over for a try that Penberthy converted just six minutes later.

Dings continued to play with spirit, and after a spell of intense pressure prop Jim Brockett forced his way over for a try that Stevens converted to bring the score back to 22-24, Redruth losing prop Malcolm Hearn to a yellow card for repeated offences.

The play of Bright and Mark Richards gave Redruth the edge as Kevern made the running for Penberthy to dive over in the right hand corner for a try that he also converted.

Kevern rounded the scoring off with the Reds 5th try with 10 minutes to go. Penberthy who kicked well in blustery conditions added the extras to finish with 6 from 6 shots at the sticks.

All eyes now turn to Redruth again for the season opener against Wharfedale, who will be seeking an unmatched third consecutive away victory against their Cornish hosts. Redruth will be looking to continue their unbeaten pre-season form into that match and beyond, maintaining their winning momentum into the derby match against the Cornish All-Blacks, who were granted temporary licence to play in National 1 today by the RFU following their liquidation this month.

REDRUTH
A Kevern; T Notman, L Vinnicombe, G Thirlby, N Pedley, A Penberthy, M Richards, D Jacques (Capt), R Brown, M Hearn, T Duncan, L Collins, J Rose, C Fuca, M Bright
Reps S Hawkey, S Murray, S Kenward, M Bowden, B Rule, N Simmons, P Jenkin, M Gidlow, L Moyle

Dings
Tries: Brockett , Gear-Evans, Quick
Con: Stevens 2
Pen: Stevens

Redruth
Tries: Kevern 2, Bright, Collins, Penberthy
Con: Penberthy 5
Pen: Penberthy

Redruth RFC  Mini/Junior registration day

Free entrance for parents to Redruth vBlackheath match 18^th September 2010.

 

The Reds mini/juniors are back in training from the start of September. All new players from age 6 upwards are welcome. If you are interested in joining, please come along or telephone Nigel Eathorne on 01209 718154 for more details

Registration day is Sunday 5^th September .Training from 10. 30, registration from   12-15.  

All mini/juniors that register and pay on the day will receive a free t-shirt and  their parents will be entitled to free entry to the Blackheath match.

Taunton gave The Reds just the sort of pre-season contest that both coaching teams were looking for in a tight encounter on a gloomy afternoon at The Recreation Ground.

The home side dominated territory and possession but newly promoted Taunton, preparing for their National Two South campaign made the hosts work hard for their three tries to two win.

Redruth opened brightly playing down the slope and made their intention of playing a passing game clear from the outset. With only five minutes on the clock the visitors’ defence was opened up for prop forward Peter Joyce to finish the move with a score from an outrageous dummy and side step. Brett Rule who had an off day with the boot was unable to convert.

Reds’ talisman Mark Bright, fresh from being a key member of the Middlesex Sevens winning Samurai International team was, as ever, dominant in the loose and off the base of the scrum.

On a rare visit to the Redruth half Taunton were awarded a penalty for Sam Saunders to convert. Ten minutes later, against the run of play, Charlie Walker-Blair broke from deep in defence and following interplay which former Cornish All-Black Jason Luff touched down in the scoreboard corner to give the visitors a narrow 8-5 half-time lead.

A change of half-backs gave The Reds a chance to up the pace at the start of the second period with forwards and backs combining well to continually move the ball wide for a sustained onslaught on the Taunton line. Despite some steadfast defending the opportunity came and was well taken by Richie Kevern, Aaron Penberthy adding the extras. Redruth’s high quality rucking enabled a quick and plentiful supply of ball to the backs with the Thirlby brothers combining in the centre for Grant to touch down for Penberthy to convert.

The visitors never gave up and were rewarded with a well worked late try of their own, Matt Ayres going over in the corner.

Redruth’s Director of Rugby, David Penberthy, was satisfied with his team’s performance:

This was a good test against a side with some quality players that will test a lot of teams in their league. We are pretty much where we want to be at this stage, things are shaping up well but there’s still plenty of work to be done. It was good to have Mark Bright back and Mark Richards settled things down in the second half.

Next week The Reds travel to Dings Crusaders before hosting Wharfedale in their opening league game the following Saturday.

Attendance: 421
Referee: Mr N. Williams (RFU)

Redruth
Tries: Joyce (5), Kevern (50) G. Thirlby (66) ; Conversions: Penberthy (50, 66).

Taunton
Tries: Walker-Blair (32), Ayres (76); Penalty: Saunders (23).

Redruth: R. Kevern, M. Bowden (S. Murray 68), P. Thirlby, S. Kenward (G. Thirlby 62), N. Pedley (T. Notman 71), B. Rule (A. Penberthy 40), N. Simmons (M. Richards 40), D. Jacques (A. Morcom 40), M. Gidlow (R. Brown 51), P. Joyce (M. Hearn 62), W. Penney (L. Collins 30), D. Cook, C. Fuca (T. Duncan 51), O. Hambly (L. Moyle 66), M. Bright.

Taunton: S. Saunders (G. Kingdom 40), J. Luff, C. Gervais, S. Martin (K. Giblett 40), G. Walker-Blair (M. Ayres 55), S. Ward, J. Bartlett (G. Cooper 60), A. Chase, Glen. Cooper, J. Russell (M. Newman 65), G. Charlton, C. Lenygon, D. Johnson (M. Gabey 40), S. Dyer, J. Flemming.

Well its back to it again and I must apologise for taking a much longer break from writing this blog than I had intended. This past few months have been pretty demanding and I have really needed to take a break from a few things, this being one…however it’s time to set the scene for the forthcoming season and the challenges that we face …

I believe this will be our most challenging season yet with some very good teams taking their place in National 1. The usual participants are there along with new clubs: Coventry, Rosslyn Park, Macclesfield and Barking …. obviously we have played all of these teams before but it’s great to be able to welcome them back to the Recreation Ground this coming season …. many good and well known players have joined clubs in our league which will increase the strength of each of those sides ….

Ourselves, well our recruitment has been fairly low key to be honest and this is not being disrespectful to those who have joined .. I will be honest I am hugely impressed by those newcomers and they have been superb in pre season. Looking through our squad we now have 32 ex Redruth Colts in a squad of 51 players!!!!!! …. we welcome back Luke Collins and Ashley Morcom as well as Sean Hawkey who has joined from UWIC/Wadebridge Camels …. we also have signed promising 18 year old winger Tom Notman from Camborne and ex Red Colts Sam Newman and Grant Thirlby from Truro. Also “winging” their way back from Redruth Albany are Sam Bristow and Scott Murray. South West Division & Truro College captain, Jordan Rose is also new to the club along with Jack Nowell and Malcolm Hearn. So it’s an exciting crop of youngsters who, if they fulfil their potential, will stand the club in good stead over the coming seasons. I have likened it to going back to 2002 when we started our rebuilding campaign and welcomed youngsters like Nathan Pedley and Lewis Vinnicombe into the team … now they are the “veterans”!!!!!!!

Off the field and lots of work has been going on to ensure we are able to sustain a healthy future … our biggest project for some years is now nearing completion with the construction of the Frame Hospitality Suite … there has been an incredible amount of work carried out here by a tremendous group of people ably led by former player Mark Bryant. I cannot even begin to tell you how much work and effort Mark has put in….former second row Simon O’Sullivan, Sully to us all, has also given up a tremendous amount of time as has Neil Stevens who is a member of our Sponsorship Committee but also works at Frame UK. There have been many others who have given much and the club are and will be eternally grateful for a number of years to come. The suite will be in use from the 1st home game and a further 5 games have been sold at present. Please contact Gerry Reilly at the club for further details.

As you will also note, we now have a new website and a new virtual shop! Nike are our new kit suppliers and a great range of clothing is available on line ….

So to pre-season and a useful run out against St Ives on Saturday. There were some notable performances from the youngsters and it was good to see guys like Lewis Moyle, Scott Murray and Jordan Rose making the most of their opportunities. Taunton will pose a different proposition this weekend and I hope you will turn out in numbers to support the boys. Mark Bright is back and will play!

Congratulations to Mark on being part of the Samurai International team who won the Middlesex 7′s at the weekend. Brighty has spent his first summer in Cornwall and has been enjoying himself on the 7′s circuit.

Don’t forget we are at St Ives on Tuesday with a 7pm kick off and then next Saturday we are at Dings Crusaders Bristol with a 3pm kick off, then it’s on to the real nitty gritty and Wharfedale at home for the 1st league match ….

It would be remiss of me not to mention the breaking news about Launceston. The way I look at this is that it could have been any one of any number of clubs at this level including ourselves! I really feel for them at the moment and I sincerely hope they find a solution that will enable them to continue at this level. Whilst our rivalry has been fierce over the years its times like this that brings everyone down to face reality. There are some very good people at Launceston and I am sure their actions are done in the best interests of everyone concerned. I wish them well for the coming weeks and look forward to our visit on the 11th September …

This situation outlines the difficulties clubs such as ours face if we are to continue at this level. With funding being stripped completely after this season, other than a contribution towards travel and accommodation, I can’t see us being able to cope with the spiralling costs. It’s all very well people saying that National Leagues must continue, and I am a great supporter of National Leagues believe me, but living in areas where money is hard to come by presents enormous challenges and they are challenges that are becoming increasingly difficult to meet. All clubs have to have ambition to compete at this level and I am very keen to keep National 1 rugby at Redruth because I see it as a useful stage for aspiring youngsters to perform on and attract the attention of the bigger clubs, but it has to be within reason. This year our squad is the youngest we have ever had and that, as far as I am concerned, is the way to go … if they good enough they are old enough!! If it results in us not maintaining our Top 40 status, we will accept that and come back even stronger.

That is it for this week …

Cheers

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby

Redruth ran in seven tries in the first of a series of pre-season friendlies for both sides. Fielding over 30 players on the day, the home side will be happy to blow away some cobwebs but there is plenty of work with new National League season only 20 days away.

Early skirmishes were even but pulsating. After six weeks of pre-season training, Redruth flew from the blocks in a full-blooded opening quarter. Both sides elected to run the ball as quickly as possible, tapping penalties at every opportunity.

After just eight minutes St Ives wing Raphael Baragwanath was yellow carded for a late tackle on Sam Newman. Redruth capitalised opened the scoring after 16 minutes when centre Lewis Vinnicombe made a decisive break from his own 10 metre line to send wing Scott Murray over in the left hand corner. After some feisty play referee Richard Harding spoke to both captains to ask for calm.

Back row Lewis Moyle took advantage of a quick Chris Fuca tap penalty on 27 minutes for the second try, converted by Grant Thirlby, before Redruth veteran Nathan Pedley took advantage of a missed touch kick to touch down, Thirlby sneaking his kick over the bar to send Redruth into a 19-0 lead.

Just before half time another tap penalty saw St Ives centre Fraser Kellythorn squeeze over in Hellfire Corner, well converted by Ashley Goode.

Leading 19-7 at half-time, Redruth made thirteen changes for the re-start, which led to some scrappy play as the players strove to gel, but back row Tom Duncan eventually bullocked over in Piggy Lane corner following another quick tap penalty.

Redruth, whose pace, fresh legs and fitness began to tell, added further tries from Dean Bonds, new signing Tom Notman and, after a great break from the foot of a scrum on 80 minutes, new recruit Jordan Rose. Rule added one conversion.

Redruth Director of Rugby David Penberthy was pleased at the final whistle, happy that his young side all had the chance of a good run-out. Whilst some areas need some attention, he was happy with the performances of all the squad, singling out Rose and Moyle in particular for praise. Moyle is seen a bright prospect and made the most of his opportunity.

Penberthy sees next Saturday’s game against Taunton as the first true test, when several key players will return, including talismanic Kiwi Mark Bright. Taunton are a side on a steep climb through the leagues and, with a hatful of strong signings over the summer including Tony Yapp, the Reds’ nemesis in last season’s derbies against the Cornish All-Blacks, they look set to find National 2 South this year a walk in the park.

Redruth also visit St Ives on 24th August and will take the main starting squad to Dings Crusaders in Bristol on August 28th. All roads lead to the first home game against Wharfedale on September 4th and some key positions remain up for grabs.

The only down side for Redruth was a serious ankle injury to Exeter Academy loan player Jack Nowell in a friendly game on Friday, picked up whilst playing for Truro College against, of all sides, Redruth Colts. He is likely to be sidelined for up to ten weeks.

Scorers:
Redruth: tries – Murray, Pedley, Moyle, Duncan, Bonds, Notman, Rose. Conversions – Thirlby 2, Rule.
St Ives – try: Kellythorn. Conv – Goode.

Redruth: first half: Adam Hosking, Murray, Vinnicombe, Pedley, Newman, Thirlby, Simmons; Jacques, Brown, Morcom, Cook, Lewarne, Fuca, Moyle, Duncan.

Redruth: second half: Dean Bonds, Copeland, Simmons, Keverne, Brett Rule, Ashley Hosking; Hearn, Gidlow, Joyce, Penney, Duncan, Hambly, Morgan, Rose. Other replacements: Rayner, Gregor, Alan Rule.

St Ives: Morrison, Baragwanath, Kellythorn, Stevens, Mander, Goode, Western; Noott, Taylor, Williams, Jenkins, Wheeler, Evans, Rainey, Morgan. Replacements: Prisk, Purkin, Middlemiss, Tresidder, Brokenshire, Moyle.

As well as the highly popular print format, Hellfire Magazine Issue 1 is now available to view online below.

Fancy some summer family rugby fun?

There will be a rugby day for 7-12 year olds at Redruth RFC at 10am-4pm on August 12^th, to coincide with the launch of our new kit that evening. The day will cost £10 and is open to players of all levels and new players will be most welcome. Bring a packed lunch with you or food will be on sale.

For more information call Nigel Eathorne 01209 718154.

UPDATE: View Redruth Rugby’s Hellfire Magazine online here.

The inaugural issue of Redruth Rugby’s new bi-annual magazine is out now!

With a foreword from the England, Lions and former Redruth star Phil Vickery, interviews with David Penberthy and Mark Bright, news from our fantastic Minis, Juniors, Colts and Academy teams and a look at some of the charity work that Redruth Rugby does in the community, the new Hellfire Magazine is a compelling read and a great-quality publication.

As well as currently being distributed to local homes and businesses, the Hellfire Magazine is available direct from the clubhouse, and copies will be available at our forthcoming friendly home matches against St Ives on the 14th August and Taunton on the 21st August – both kicking off at 3pm.

Redruth Rugby would like to invite you to attend our New Kit Launch Evening on 12 August. Our new kit supplier is Nike and to help us launch our new kit, Nike have provided some fabulous prizes which will be raffled on the night.

Pair of tickets for an autumn international at Twickenham (New Zealand, Australia or South Africa)
Pair of tickets for a Six Nations international at Twickenham (Italy, France or Scotland)
Pair of tickets for an Arsenal game at the Emirates Stadium

There will be an ‘all you can eat buffet’, four drinks vouchers per person, plus entry to the Raffle. The cost is £10 to members and £15 to non members. We do hope that you will join us.

If you have not already done so you will also have an opportunity to renew your membership. We have launched a new Membership Scheme with fabulous benefits – and held membership at last year’s prices.