Redruth 10 Sedgley Park 24

Match report by Roger Watson

Sedgley Park Tigers put a lack-lustre Redruth to the sword with two well taken opportunist tries in this basement battle.

Despite a lively start this was a disappointing Reds’ performance and it was the visitors who took an early lead with a well struck forty-five metre penalty from Steve Nutt. Four minutes later Matt Riley put over another long range attempt, this time from just inside his own half.

The Tigers extended their lead when a chip kick from Aaron Penberthy was comfortably gathered by full back Riley who eased past the defence to set up a two on one with Phil Jones who touched down for a simple try. Following Riley’s yellow card for foul play Penberthy made amends with a penalty to keep Redruth in the game but two more Nutt penalties gave the visitors a comfortable and well deserved fourteen point lead at the break.

Redruth attacked strongly at the opening of the second period making good off-loads and going through a dozen or so phases but the Sedgley defence held firm until Alex Hurst intercepted a predictable pass to go the length of the field, touching down under the posts for Nutt to make it a seven point score.

Needing to chase the game, The Reds had much more possession in the second half but made too many handling errors, making the job of the Sedgley Park defence easier. An attack on Hellfire Corner saw The Tigers concede three penalties, all of which The Reds elected to kick to the corner but finally left without scoring.

The hosts enjoyed their best period of the game and exerted sustained pressure on The Tigers defence which again held firm, until the forwards finally made a successful drive from a lineout for skipper Darren Jacques to score. Replacement Grant Thirlby added the extras with a conversion from the touchline.

The Reds continued to battle but Sedgley comfortably ran the clock down to take the spoils.

After the games, Jacques confirmed that his team were hugely disappointed with the game.

This was the first of the bottom sides we’ve had at home, we knew what they would come with but we didn’t get our game plan right. We didn’t attack with enough conviction and we made too many mistakes. It’s games like this we have to win but we won’t shut up shop because we lost today. We have to progress and get a win next week.

The Reds are back on the road next week against fellow strugglers Cinderford when they will be looking for their first away win since February, before returning to the Recreation Ground to host high-flying Cambridge.

Attendance: 795
Referee: Greg Macdonald (RFU)