Dings Crusaders 22 Redruth 38

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

Image: Redruth lock Damien Cook wins the ball at the line out