Redruth 19 Taunton 13

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)

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.