Reds Wash Blues Away

MACCLESFIELD 17 pts REDRUTH 19

Ed Bawden reports from a rain soaked Macclesfield 

Redruth put in an outstanding performance in atrocious conditions  to hold on to a win in a dramatic finish in their first visit to Macclesfield.

Mark Bright’s  77^th minute try converted by Aaron Penberthy put the reds 2 points ahead then with the last kick of the game former Plymouth Albion player Ross Winney had the chance to win the game for the hosts but his kick from the 10 meter line was just short as Redruth held on for a well deserved victory.

Heavy overnight rain in the North West left the pitch covered in pools of water but the teams were happy to play although the rain got heavier in the second period.

Every player did his bit for the reds, Skipper Mark Bright was immense, Steve Wood put in some tremendous tackles and all the forwards got their heads down and worked like Trojans throught.

The two young Redruth half backs Nick Simmons and Aaron Penberthy played the conditions superbly, teenager Penberthy kicking the ball in to space while having his best game in a red shirt.

Redruth got off to a great start with a series of pick and drive moves ending with Peter Joyce forcing his way over the line in the 3^rd minute for an unconverted score.

Macclesfield had a big well drilled pack and played to the conditions, Winney was wide with a penalty attempt as Redruth defended their line with passion, twice holding up home forwards when over the line.

Hooker Sam Moss went over for a try following a series of rucks on the reds line in the 33^rd minute with Winney adding the extras for Macclesfield to take a 2 point lead into the break.

After the interval Redruth pressed the home line and hooker Matthew Gidlow darted over following a catch and drive at a line out. Penberthy converting with a good kick in the conditions.

Joyce who has been in outstanding form all season was forced off with an injury early in the second half but former Schoolboy international Oggie Wright took his place with a determined performance.

Winney pulled back 3 points with a penalty from in front  of the posts after 57 minutes as the reds were put under immense pressure. Grant Thirlby starting at full back had a secure game for the reds.

When prop Tom Mantle went over for a try after 65 minutes that Winney converted the reds had to dig deep but they showed good character and composure in the final 10 minutes as the hosts lost replacement Chris Townsend to a yellow card for a trip.

With time running out Bright was held up over the line but Redruth were able to maintain the pressure  from the scrum and following good work from Darren Jacques, Bright went over for a try to level the scores. With a kick well out to the right of the posts Penberthy showed ice cool nerves to send the ball between the sticks to win the game for the reds.

In a manic closing 3 minutes Redruth lost replacement prop  Wright with an injury and Steve Wood was yellow carded on the advive of a touch judge for a trip but Winney’s penalty attempt was short and the reds pulled off a thrilling victory.

Macclesfield:

Tries: Moss, Mantle

Con: Winney 2

Pen: Winney

M O’Regan (Rep C Townsend h-t); P Hardwick, R Hughes, T Davenport, J Fowles; R Winney, T Eaton; T Mantell (Rep P Allen 65 Min), S Moss (Rep A Luckettt 70 Min), W Robinson, A Marsh, M Owen, E Sayce (Rep C Jones 73 Min), E Stewart (Capt), J Keep

Rep Not used R Parkinson

Redruth

Tries: Joyce, Gidlow, Bright

Con: Penberthy 2

G Thirlby; S Hawkey, S Parsons, S Kenward, M Bowden (RepT Notman 71 Min); A Penberthy, N Simmons; D Jacques, M Gidlow (Rep R Brown 50 Min) P Joyce (Rep J Wright 45 Min), C Fuca, L Collis, O Hambly (Rep W Penney 70 Min), S Wood, M Bright (Capt)

Rep not Used B Rule

Ref Greg Mc Donald