Redruth U12′s Win 4th County Championship

REDS, 4 IN A ROW !!!
U12s COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP at Launceston RFC
The current County Champions travelled to Launceston RFC, early Sunday morning on their team coach, eager to retain the title they’ve held for the last 3 years.
The squad were boosted with the attendance and assistance of experienced Reds Development Coach Jason Pengilly for the day.
Glorious sunshine welcome the Reds to Polson Bridge who were led by Captain for the Day L. Grigg. An upbeat Redruth were not surprised to once again be drawn in the ‘ Group of Death’ with Penzance,Truro and Liskeard.
First up for the Reds were Penzance, where the team were keen to set the record straight and they certainly did so with a convincing and deserving 15-0 win. The Reds played some all round excellent rugby and dominated the majority of the match. (Try scorers: H.Whinney, J.Goldsworthy, B.Rowe).
Next up were the always tough opponents Truro. Redruth, who had already beaten Truro twice this year, let complacency slip in and a lack lustre performance finished the hard fought contest deservingly scoreless at 0 – 0.
After some words of wisdom from the coaches, the final Group match saw the Reds destroy Liskeard 30 – 0 and revert back to their free flowing and attractive rugby. (Try scorers: J.Nosworthy, J.Goldsworthy, C.Hendy, B.Rowe, T.Govier, J.Morrison).
The Reds, now fired up, then met Perranporth in the Semi Finals and started the game with great intensity. Redruth Second-Row J.Hitchens led by example with a powerful, meaningful run through the Perranporth defence to barge just over the try-line and score.
With Redruth now playing with real flair and confidence B.Rowe and S.Richards combined sublimely to set up Redruth winger R.Daughtery to dive low into the corner to score. This was turning out to be another excellent all round performance. With the forwards working tirelessly they set up a ruck 15 metres out when the influential J.Goldsworthy picked the ball up and, as strong as ever, drove over the try-line.
The game finished with a convincing and emphatic 15-0 victory. (Try scorers: J.Hitchins, R.Daughtery, J.Goldsworthy).
The eagerly awaited Final was set up on the main pitch and a fantastic atmosphere welcomed the teams onto the pitch. Despite very early pressure from the Blacks it certainly was a game of 2 halves. The Reds dominated the majority of the  first half and were unfortunate not to be 3 tries ahead at half-time if it wasn’t for nervous mistakes at the Blacks try-line. The only Reds try came when the backs switched to the blind side 20 metres out for the strong winger C.Hendy to clinically finish. In the second half the solid and determined Reds defence, who hadn’t leaked a try all day, was being severely tested and despite being stuck in their own 22 look good for the victory.
Final play was called and the Reds were desperate to get their hands on the ball when after 3 minutes of continued constant waves of Black attacks and solid Red defending, the Blacks passed the ball through their backs to create an overlap and finally crack the Reds defence to score in the corner.
The final whistle blew with the game finishing 5 – 5 meaning both clubs becoming Joint County Champions.
The Reds, although a little disappointed to be so close to winning the trophy out right, played some fantastic passionate rugby throughout the day and were a credit to Redruth RFC.
This was now their 4th County Title in a row and have never EVER been beaten in a County Championship.
Well done one and all. The coaches are extremely proud of you all and would like to thank Charlie, Adam and Josh (get well soon) for coming to support your team mates, all friends and family for your fantastic support, Launceston RFC for running a well organised, hospitable festival, Stuart for arranging the team coach and a special thanks to JP for his invaluable support throughout the day.
CONGRATULATIONS CHAMPIONS ! ( x4 )
Martyn
Squad: J.Collins, R.Daughtery (1T), H.Eddy, C.Evans, J.Goldsworthy (3T), T.Govier (1T), L.Grigg (capt), A.Hallam, S.Haywood, C.Hendy (2T), C.Hicks, J.HItchens (1T), E.Jefferies, J.Morrison (1T), J.Nosworthy (1T), S.Richards, B.Rowe (2T), H.Whinney (1T)