Redruth 20 Barking 20

Match report by Roger Watson

A last minute try from Redruth’s Lewis Vinnicombe ensured that the spoils were shared, despite the home side outscoring the visitors by three tries to one.

With the wind at their backs Barking were quickly off the mark courtesy of the reliable boot of full back Adam Armstrong when the hosts were penalised for going offside at the breakdown. The lead was short lived as Aaron Penberthy struck back, converting the penalty awarded to Redruth. Armstrong put the visitors back in front two minutes later with a long range kick.

The loss of a scrum wounded the pride of the Redruth pack and spurred them into action. With forwards and backs combining well, The Reds put together some of the best phases of rugby seen at the Recreation Ground this season. Hooker Matt Gidlow broke the line to link up with Owen Hambly, who put Nathan Pedley over for a splendid try. Straight back onto the attack Redruth then chased down a kick ahead, quickly recycled the ball and passed wide for left winger Matt Bowden to touch down in the corner, Penberthy then adding the extras.

At 15 – 6 with half time approaching the home side looked in complete control, but then the Cornish side threw Barking a life line by transgressing in front of their own posts to give Armstrong a simple chance to get back to within a single score.

This proved to be the turning point of the game as it was a rejuvenated Barking that took the field after the break. Armstrong seemed unable to miss and rewarded Barking with two more penalties to level the score.

The Redruth defence was stretched repeatedly with some heroic tackles, the pick of which by seventeen year old Jack Nowell denied a certain score. Barking’s reward came with just three minutes left on the clock when Scott Shaw touched down in the corner. For once Armstrong’s kick drifted wide of the posts.

Redruth, determined not to be beaten, stormed back. After patiently going through the phases the Reds moved the ball wide to Vinnicombe who showed a good turn of speed to cross in the corner. The crowd held their breath as referee Mr Campbell consulted with his assistant before awarding the try, Penberthy’s conversion attempt narrowly missing.

David Penberthy, Redruth’s Director of Rugby, was delighted with the way The Reds had kept together despite going behind so close to the end. “We are still building but making really good progress, we’ll get there.”

Attendance: 813
Referee: Ross Campbell (RFU)