Hello once again. It was a very satisfying “away day” up North and a bonus point win over Halifax on Saturday. It’s been a while since our last victory on the road so this one was very satisfying. Things all round are much better and recent events have been put firmly behind us. Our spirit has never been in doubt and that is now showing through in abundance. Players are really finding some form especially the front row. Both props were outstanding again yesterday and there were other notable performances from Nathan and Dave Pascoe and Rudolf is settling in well in the centre.
This weekends “local derby” is bound to be a cracker!!! Stourbridge, our nearest league opponents in terms of distance, are our visitors and they visit us on the back of an outstanding win at Otley. The next 3 games are massive for us as we take on the top 3 in the league. I sincerely hope there will be a big crowd on Saturday to create that intimidating atmosphere that we all love. Our gates so far have been a bit disappointing so please come along and support the boys …. This game is the re-arrangement of the original fixture that should have been played on September 15th but was cancelled because of both clubs having representatives in the England Counties squad that toured France.

Action from Otley v Stourbridge last Saturday courtesy Paul English, Rugby Times
There will be a new match-day programme available to buy on Saturday with some stunning high-quality exclusive photos from games played so far this season. Once again, there will be a free draw courtesy of Gwel An Mor for an item of Redruth kit. But only if you buy the programme - and remember it all helps the club and team on the pitch.
Note that on Saturday, the outstanding Johnny Cowling will be performing his cabaret act in the Main Bar from 8.30pm with disco to follow. Admission only £5, it will be a very special night.
Prior to our game last Saturday, we travelled and stayed at Doncaster. When we arrived we found out we were staying with London Welsh, who were playing and beat Rotherham, and Cornish Pirates who played and beat Doncaster. Needless to say we spent some time with the Pirates Management team prior to the few hours’ kip we are accustomed to on away trips. I would point out that no players were around at this time!!! Then on the way back on Saturday night we meet up with the Pirates again in Bristol for a beer …. We have developed a good relationship with Jim, Spade etc and long may this continue …..Good time all round….
Scrum half Dave Pascoe captains the Combined Services in their annual match against the Barbarians at Brickfields Plymouth on Wednesday night. I’m sure everyone joins with me and wishes Paco all the very best……
We get chucked into the hat next Monday for the EDF trophy draw. The 3rd round of the competition will be played on Saturday 8th December. Round 2 is this weekend. If the draw follows previous years then it could be Henley …… if you recall 2 years ago we had Henley back to back, last year we had Esher back to back and a few years ago we had Leeds back to back ….. Or it could be Manchester away! We will see.
Some good news now. I have been keeping in contact with Dr Orritt, the club doctor at Blaydon, over the condition and progress of Cameron Johnston. Following a conversation last Thursday, the Doctor informed me that Cameron has left hospital in Newcastle and returned home to Scotland to continue his recovery. Everyone here at Redruth wishes him all the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
As you all know Nathan Pedley picked up a 26 week ban for the dangerous tackle. Nathan is obviously upset over the incident and has accepted his ban accordingly and has shown deep remorse. I did read an article in the Newcastle Chronicle that stated that Nathan had not tried to contact Cameron. That is untrue as he did send an email, via a club official, to him a couple of days after the incident. However the key thing here is that Cameron Johnston is on the mend.
Elsewhere in the league, Westcombe Park had a good win over Cambridge, Blackheath lost up at Blaydon and Southend narrowly beat Henley. There have been some real up and down turns of form so far and the race for league title and promotion spots seems to be wide open at this stage.
Don't forget the Auction after the Otley game next week, 24th November from 4.30, in the Main Bar, with some great lots up for grabs. It's sure to be a great occasion and again will help us both on and off the pitch, so please stay around if you can.
A few of my mates went to the Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints game at Sandy Park on Saturday and had a cracking time. After leaving Halifax I had numerous conversations with some of them and could hardly understand a bloody word they were saying! …. Plenty of beer drunk I think!!!!!!!!!!!!!! …………
The Heineken Cup got underway this weekend and the final of this is to be played in Cardiff in May 2008. Our usual group have tickets and we are off for another great weekend in the Welsh capital city …. Who is going to get there?? … Well I sincerely hope Munster do and it would be good if an English team made it ….
I fancy Gloucester this time around …. That would be good…2 great bands of supporters to have a good crack with!! In the Challenge Cup I am going to put my money on Bath. With Butch James on board I believe they will be very hard to beat. I reckon he is the missing piece to their jigsaw and I also expect them to challenge hard in the Premiership.
So that’s about it this week, apart from another “food bill”!!!!!!! Anyone know who this guy is? I reckon this is the “player” who has been sneaking free food at nost of our away games!!! ….. Oh yeah thanks Smithy for getting those crates, I’m sure you won’t mind doing it again now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s it for this week …. Back again next Monday…..David Penberthy
Director of Rugby
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