Otley 25 Redruth 14

Match report by Ed Bawden

Redruth paid dearly for their lapses as the went down by 4 tries to 1 against fellow strugglers Otley in Yorkshire.

The Reds dominated the second period of the game but lapses in concentration saw them concede three long range tries. At the end of the game the Cornish side pressed hard for a bonus point but could not force their way over the line.

Teenager Tom Notman, previously with Camborne, had a decent first half on his debut for The Reds putting in a couple of good runs (he was also singled out for praise after the match by Luke Collins via Twitter: @rugby_luke ) .

Otley took the lead with a try by prop Chris Hamil after good play down the blind side by skipper Steve Depledge and James Twomey had stretched The Reds defence. Jervis Manupenu converted from in front of the posts.

Redruth hit back from the restart with a 35 metre penalty by Aaron Penberthy following a back foot offside offence.

The hosts had plenty of pace in the backs but Nathan Pedley and Matthew Bowden were on form for The Reds.

Manupenu hit the post with a 35 metre penalty attempt before putting over a kick from 30 metres in the 31st minute, with the home side taking a 10-3 lead into the interval.

At the start of the second half Redruth were caught asleep on the blind side as Delpedge and Twomey made a lot of ground in front of the grandstand, before good support play saw flanker Rob Afoa-Peterson cross in the right hand corner for an unconverted try. Redruth supporters felt there was a foot in touch during the move but the try stood.

Penberthy responded a few minutes later with a penalty from in front of the posts for The Reds.

Following a turnover in their own half Otley spotted space and moved the ball to Curtis Wilson who was too quick for The Reds cover as he raced away for an unconverted try after 51 minutes.

Another well struck penalty by Penberthy after Otley failed to roll away after a tackle kept the Cornishmen in the game on the hour mark.

Despite a shower of rain, Redruth were playing some good rugby. Mark Bright worked hard but did not have anyone able to break through the home defence and when replacement prop Peter Tennet touched down the home side’s 4th try after 68 minutes the result was beyond doubt.

After losing Lewis Vinnicombe with injury Redruth dominated the closing stages, with replacement Sean Hawkey going over for a try after good play by skipper Darren Jacques and Pedley.

In the closing stages Otley were penalised three times inside their 22 as they were desperate to close down Redruth attacks and stop the Cornishmen having the consolation of a deserved bonus point for the long journey home.

Referee: Richard Kelly (RFU)