Redruth 26 Rosslyn Park 24

Match report by Roger Watson

A last minute drop goal by Redruth’s Man of the Match, Aaron Penberthy, secured Redruth’s first win of the season leaving the home faithful feeling a mixture of delight and relief.

Rosslyn Park made an impressive start, stretching the home defence and narrowly missing a try in the opening minutes. Richard Davies and Penberthy exchanged penalties before a moment of rugby magic from seventeen-year old Jack Nowell gave The Reds the lead. A fine kick ahead was chased down by Lewis Vinnicombe who flipped the ball to Nowell to finish off the move he had started.

The visitors quickly struck back when a blistering run from England Sevens star Ollie Lindsay-Hague resulted in a touch down in the corner. Redruth’s pack started to dominate and after a series of pick and drives the talismanic Mark Bright crossed, with Penberthy adding the extras. Rosslyn Park responded with another Davies penalty to make it 15 – 11 at the break.

It was all Rosslyn Park at the start of the second period, Lindsay-Hague crossing for his second try to give the visitors the lead. A Penberthy penalty then put The Reds back in front. As the game became more broken up, which seemed to favour the visitors, Nathan Pedley took advantage of a turnover ball against the run of play to put Matt Gidlow through. It was clear that Gidlow would not make the line but Bright was on hand to finish off the move and complete his brace.

Sustained pressure from Park culminated in a well taken Chris Lewis try in the seventy-sixth minute to give the visitors a one point lead and stun the crowd.

Although home supporters’ heads dropped The Reds had other ideas displaying real grit and determination. From the re-start the Redruth pack showed patience as they went through the phases to set up a Penberthy drop goal. It was a wobbly affair but over it went to a gigantic roar from the crowd as the final whistle blew.

David Penberthy, Redruth’s Director of Rugby, was able to manage a post-match smile for the first time this season. He was thrilled with the way the team had shown the courage to fight back after going behind with just a few minutes left. Although trying to play down the fact that it was his son who had kicked the winning drop goal, Penberthy was obviously delighted.

The game is a confidence thing; we’ve got good players so we can kick on from here. Next week we’ve got league leaders Barking so it’s time for us to start doing some damage and put an end to their 100% record.

Attendance: 798
Referee: Richard Kelly (RFU)