Where do I start this week? Well as Julie Andrews once said “ Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start”!!

We took the field against Coventry on Saturday confident that we could put in a performance to win the game, and after 25 minutes I thought things were well on track to achieve that. Never once did I think that we were home and dry once we secured the 4 try bonus point as there were still 55 minutes left on the clock….but I would say you would have to go back to the 2001/2002 season to find a team that put 43 points past us on our own patch. Our performance, after a bright start, was mediocre at tops and we certainly took our foot of the gas and allowed Coventry back into the game before half time. That said they took their chances and murdered us when we made mistakes. This was a game we needed to win without a doubt and it now makes things very difficult.

My real concern now is that if we do retain our status in National 1, the challenges we will face next year. There will be a reduced rugby budget for me to put a squad together, travelling costs etc will no doubt rise as the cost of fuel goes through the roof, key players will depart and so it will be down to the youngsters who are coming through the ranks to fly the Redruth flag. This is a tough level to bring youngsters into especially when you are in a dogfight at the foot of the table. I think people forget the pressures of playing at this level. Many say to me that it is has happened before when we threw Lewis Vinnicombe, Nathan Pedley, Nathan Pascoe, Sam Heard, Sam Harrison etc into the fray back in 2002. You must remember that was in National 3 South as it was then … the standards have got higher and higher as we have risen through the leagues and we have continually punched way above our weight over the seasons. Two seasons ago when we reached the dizzy heights of 3rd place in the league we spent over £320,000 on rugby. When I say rugby I mean the game and all the overheads associated with it like travel, hotels, physio, coaching, insurance etc etc …. This season it will be under £200,000. That is a big drop and that £120,000 reduction has come off Players Match Fees and Coaching. It’s tough to manage on that but we will do it, the future of the club is paramount here.

These players are the best group I can remember and I feel for them all as they give their all. It’s easy for me to single out Aaron, and believe me he is taking more than his fair share of stick, but it’s tough on them all and I feel the same for all of them. Everyone outside of our club loves to see us fail, they love for us to lose …. We are not losers, we are a group of people who desperately want to give our best every week …. That does not always happen but we try! We all have to pick ourselves up, back each other and get on with it. Nobody “bleeds” Redruth more than me and it hurts deep inside me when things don’t go right, when a player drops a pass, misses a tackle, when a kick is not executed properly … but it’s not done deliberately. If we didn’t make mistakes life would be a bore … the way to put it right is to get back on the field and try it again …. It’s very easy to get into a blame culture here when things are tough but we must be strong as a group and that includes supporters as well. Many say to me on a Saturday night that they are fully behind us and I thank them for that …. But those who slag individuals off and say some pretty nasty things need to think what they say …. Put themselves in the position of some of these boys and see if they can do better … the answer to that is that they can’t! …. End of story!

I thought England played well on Saturday night against the French and must now be thinking “Grand Slam”!! …. Think back a few seasons ago when Martin Johnson took over, the things that went wrong then … but he stuck at it, persevered and see where they are now … Its Scotland up next and then Ireland in Dublin … a potential banana skin if ever there was one! Tom Palmer thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match and Jonny Wilkinson does what Jonny Wilkinson does … comes off the bench and pings a 45m penalty and then puts in a very astute performance to close the game out! Simon Shaw got himself into the game immediately and Banahan and Fourie did their stuff in the small amount of time they were on the field.

A bit of personal news now, but one that impacts on the club …. At the start of this season it was my intention to step down at the end of it .. in other words after the Wharfedale game in April. I felt that it was time to have a break and allow the club to move forward with someone else. I would like to say that the club would save some money by me doing that, but I don’t take any money for what I do…Anyway, after thinking about it for some time now, I have reconsidered and will stay for another season. There were many personal things that I had to consider not least the travelling etc associated with my job plus I am getting no younger!! It also involved protracted discussions at home with my wife persuading me to stay … the bit that really swayed it was when she said “What will you do: Redruth Rugby is your life!” That pretty much summed it up so it’s another 12 months … plus I just love being around these players and enjoying their company!

Many congratulations to Oli Bryant who has been selected for the England Under 16’s A squad for their forthcoming internationals in April. Oli is an outstanding prospect and plays for the Under 16’s.

Congratulations to Jack Nowell who played for England against Italy at the weekend and scored his second try in his second match …. Jack is also attracting the attention of Premiership Clubs and the latest news is that he is likely to go to Gloucester next season (as stated in the Rugby Paper today)

Should of mentioned this last week, but congratulations to Tom Notman, Aaron Penberthy, Peter Jenkin, Ben Gregor and Adam Lewarne who represented Cornwall Under 20’s last week in their Championship win against Somerset.

This week sees the visit of Stourbridge and it will be good to catch up with Neil Mitchell again. When we visited Stourbridge earlier in the season our departure was delayed when Brett Rule got injured and was taken to hospital and did not get back to the club until 9:30ish … anyway we had a great laugh with Mitch and some of the officials and Chris Fuca and Pete Joyce were in great form … I think Mitch maybe staying over on Saturday night so we will do our best to keep him entertained!

At the time of writing this, the Development Team are playing at Plymouth Albion tonight in a much needed fixture. Graham Dawe has been very accommodating with fixtures and hopefully we will get another game in between the 2 sides before the end of the season. Fixtures of this nature are vital for our players to show their potential. You will note a number of players who have played for our Development Team now playing for other Cornish sides. Whilst it is not an ideal scenario I can fully understand their desire to play rugby every week., something that we are currently unable to do.

That is it for this week, hopefully you will come out in numbers to support the team on Saturday and to support the St Piran’s Day celebrations at Redruth, well as bringing as many friends, neighbours and colleagues along to enjoy the free entry before 1pm! Many people have made mention of the parking restrictions imposed at the club for this event. Please understand that this is necessary to safely accommodate the celebrations. This is a great opportunity for the club to make some much needed finance so please support it and understand the need to make it a success ….

Cheers for now ..

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby – Redruth RFC

Jack Morrison (MOTM) tackling

PENZANCE  U12s      21        REDRUTH    U12s        7
 
On a sunny, Sunday morning a depleted Redruth U12s, captained by Adam Grigg, travelled to the Mennaye to play the massively improved Penzance U12s.
The undefeated Reds started the game strongly and scored an early try when Reds prop Sam Haywood barged over the try-line (Jack Morrison converted).
Penzance dominated the majority of the rest of the match and were far superior at the breakdown. The Penzance forwards were very well organised and technically better at driving mauls and rucks. Penzance made the most of Redruth’s average performance and deservingly scored and converted three tries.
 
It was a real off day for the Reds with some unusual poor tackling that cost us dearly despite some memorable big tackles made by Jack Morrison, Bradley Rowe and Ryan Daughtery.
The match finished Penzance 21, Redruth 7 and in fairness the best team won on the Day.
Despite Redruth losing their unbeaten record they are eager to meet Penzance again and would like to thank Adrian for a fantastic refereeing display and the club for the hospitality shown.
 
Martyn
 
Squad:C.Budge, R.Daughtery, H.Eddy, C.Evans, J.Goldsworthy, T.Govier, A.Grigg, L.Grigg, A.Hallam, S.Haywood (1T), J.Hitchens, E.Jefferies, J.Morrison (1C), J.Nosworthy,  B.Rowe, J.Venn, H.Whinney.  
 
MOM:J.Morrison       BEF:B.Rowe

Redruth took just twenty-four minutes to secure a four try bonus point but were blown away by five second half tries by a rampant Coventry.

Despite building up a commanding 26 – 7 lead a combination of power from the visiting pack and some poor decision making and defending by The Reds allowed Coventry back into the game and dominate the second half.

Both sides were keen to entertain in this try fest which provided a hat trick of hat tricks. Nick Jackson for Redruth was the first to notch up his trio followed by Tom Harris and Sam Herrington for Coventry.

The Reds were quickly off the mark when Luke Collins pounced on a charged down kick to make a good break from which Nathan Pedley crossed in the corner. A few minutes later Jackson touched town from a blistering solo run, Penberthy converting.

The Coventry pack made good progress, finding space around the fringes to give Ben Russell the opening he needed for a simple touch down, Lee Audis making it a seven point score.

The hosts came back strongly with Jackson finishing off a move started by Pedley for Penberthy to add the extras. A well worked lineout saw Richard Brown score under the posts to secure the bonus point and give Penberthy a simple conversion.

The game looked sewn up but Coventry had other ideas. Once again Redruth conceded a score in the final minute of the first half when, against the run of play, Tom Harris left the defence flat footed for a try converted by Audis.

The momentum swung in favour of the visitors and after the break, apart from Jackson completing his hat trick, it was Coventry who took control. Their strong mauling with the ball going wide once the defence was wrong footed led to two more tries for Harris followed up by three for Herrington. Russell added two conversions to secure a convincing win for the Midlanders.

For the neutral this twelve try thriller was a great afternoon’s entertainment but it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Redruth faithful, leaving them firmly fixed in the relegation zone. Reds’ coach Tony Cook expressed the disappointment of the whole squad in letting the game slip away.

It was poor to let in a try from nothing right before half time. We needed good game management but it didn’t happen. The boys are devastated.

The Reds now need to regroup quickly for the visit of Stourbridge next week when a win will be vital if they are to climb clear of the bottom three. The game takes place on St Piran’s Day, with entry free for all before 1pm: for a complete list of St Piran’s Day events in Redruth click here.

Attendance: 810
Referee: Andrew Jackson (RFU)

Update: For the latest news on the St Piran’s Day events in Redruth visit http://www.redruthrugby.com/stpirans.

This year Redruth is coming alive with a host of St Piran’s Day events including free entry to the Redruth vs Stourbridge game from 12-1pm, but why not celebrate the patron saint of miners every year with a Cornish public holiday on the 5th of March?

Signing the petition at http://www.freepetition.co.uk/cornwall/SignPetition.aspx?apcode=%20P2ID212201191144 may help make St Piran’s Day the Cornish public holiday that it deserves to become!

In the interim, at least this year St Piran’s Day falls on a Saturday!

Update: For the latest news on the St Piran’s Day events in Redruth visit http://www.redruthrugby.com/stpirans.

This season, Redruth is heralding the duchy’s patron saint’s day in style, with the town council and Redruth Rugby combining to put on the biggest St Piran’s Day celebration in Cornwall. Come along and join us all as we celebrate the best of Cornish, with free entry to the Recreation Ground from 12pm-1pm!

St Piran’s Day in Redruth at a glance:

9am-3pm; The centre of Redruth town comes alive with entertainment and music, all being broadcast by Redruth Radio.

11:45am; Join the great St Piran’s procession from town centre to Rugby Club – starring the saint himself!

12pm onwards; The festivities escalate with a fun-fair, market, dancers, singers, bands, great food & drink and even a charity firewalk at the Recreation Ground, with free entry for all before 1pm!

3pm; The St Piran’s Day game kicks off, with a Redruth side full of Cornish players hosting Stourbridge in a National League 1 match crucial to both sides’ chances of survival.

7pm onwards; live music in numerous Redruth venues including Redruth Rugby’s Clubhouse

Redruth Town Council are encouraging businesses throughout the Town to enter a ‘best dressed’ competition – with the theme being Black & White. So, please join in – come along to the ground wearing something black & white – but preferably not a Cornish All-Blacks shirt!

For more details on events outside the Recreation Ground, click here.

Image of St Piran’s Cross flag by foshie @ Flickr

LAUNCESTON U12′s 7 REDRUTH U12′s 14

REDS BEAT BLACKS.

On an overcast but dry morning, Redruth U12s took a 22 man squad, led by Captain for the Day Jordan Collins, up to our always tough opponents Launceston. As both teams have large squads it was agreed to play 4 x 10 minute quarters. On a soft pitch Launceston took kick-off and pounded the Reds try line constantly, taking advantage of a slow to start Redruth. The Reds usually solid defence was looking surprisingly leaky and the Blacks earned their reward for all of their possession when Redruth missed a few tackles and the Blacks forwards drove over the try-line and converted. Redruth started the second period finding themselves behind for the first time this season and came out more fired up and determined. With Reds prop Sam Haywood having his best game in a Red shirt, and constantly turning over possession, the Redruth’s forwards started to dominate. Jack Hitchens then broke away from a maul 15 metres out, showing great strength as he barged his way over the try-line. (Jack Morrison converted).

HALF TIME 7-7

The third quarter started with both teams trying to play running rugby and Redruth started to look stronger, especially at the breakdown. Then came the highlight of the match when Redruth were stuck in their own 22 and Reds number 8, Luke Grigg, cleared the ball upfield to be chased superbly by Harry Whinney and Bradley Rowe to win a penalty. The penalty was quickly taken and passed through the backs to Ryan Daughtery who, looking good for a try himself, unselfishly spun the ball out for the clinical Reds winger, Sean Crocker, to dive and score. (Bradley Rowe converted) The final quarter started very well for the Reds and they thought they had scored again when Sam Haywood charged over the try-line only to have a blacks player also get their hands on the ball. Both teams were eager to score in the closing stages but the final whistle went with the Reds victorious 14-7. An extremely entertaining match with some impressive and tough rugby played by both sides.

Thank you to the parents for making the long  journey up for the match and to the players for great attitude and performance!

Martyn

MOM:T.GOVIER BEM:S.HAYWOOD

SQUAD: L.Barkwill, C.Budge, J.Collins (CAPT), S.Crocker (1T), R.Daughtery, H.Eddy, C.Evans, T.Govier, A.Grigg, L.Grigg, A.Hallam, S.Haywood, C.Hendy, C.Hicks, J.Hitchens (1T), E.Jefferies, J.Morrison (1C), J.Nosworthy, S.Richards, B.Rowe (1C), J.Venn, H.Whinney.

Another 1000 mile trip for a game of rugby, a sore backside, sore shoulders but for once not a sore head!!!!!!!!!! I am bitterly disappointed this morning (Sunday) with the result, I felt we deserved more than a losing bonus point and to lose the game at the death, in controversial circumstances, is gut wrenching. But, we have to look at how we let ourselves get into that position after totally dominating the first 40 minutes. The killer blow came in the 8th minute of first half injury time. We were 20 – 7 up and looking good but conceded a converted try that allowed Tynedale to get back to within a score. As expected they, came out fired up in the second half and were first on the board to claw back to within a point, then we edged 7 points clear and then …… a frantic 11 minutes of injury time that saw that 7 point advantage disappear and a long trip back with only a losing bonus point to show for the effort. Don’t get me wrong, the boys played well but we should of capitalised more in a dominant first half effort. We must now lift ourselves and prepare for 2 very important home games coming up. Next week its Coventry and then Stourbridge. I am asking you to come out in numbers and support the boys, they are doing all they can, they are playing some good stuff and gaining more and more experience as they go … they really need your support! Coventry is a Ladies Day in the Frame UK Hospitality Suite, whilst there are some very special events on St Piran’s Day for Stourbridge!

It was good to see Mal at Tynedale … who is Mal I hear you ask … well he knows who he is!!!! Mal is a London Scottish supporter who I met and when he was at Redruth back in January he said he would come to Tynedale when we played there …. true to his word there he was and it was really nice to have a chat … I know you read this Mal … “Thanks for the badges, they are very much appreciated and I will make sure Essy (Nigel) gets one, we will both wear them in our blazers!” I am sorry I did not see you before I left, I had to do a radio interview and talk to the paper guy … hopefully I will get to see you again at Blaydon on the 19th March … Oh no that damn trip again!!! ……

Jumping around a bit this week ….. back to the trip to Tynedale … we left Redruth at 11:20am …well that was car 1!! We had to stagger our departure owing to the limitation of availability due to work commitments so it was a case of an early car as described above, another left at 1:30pm, another at 2:30pm, another at 3:30pm and the last vehicle at 4:30pm. I drove Car 1 and we arrived in Newcastle at 8:10pm almost 9 hours driving with a short break at Michael Wood near Gloucester. The M1 was a nightmare! The next car arrived at 10:20pm as they had to cope with a diversion on the A1(M) … that was closely followed by Car 3, Car 4 arrived at 11:20pm and Car 5 at just after midnight …. that is what these players, and the club for that matter, have to cope with! They then, after a bit of a sleep, have to go out and play a game of rugby …. then after a short time in the hosts clubhouse, it’s a return trip. The return home was much better as we used a different route … we left Corbridge and went to Carlisle and then came down the M6 … we left at 5:07pm, stopped at Michael Wood for 30 minutes, 3 drop offs and back in Redruth just on midnight …. plus we were diverted off the M5 at Cullompton and rejoined at Exeter which added about 25 mins …. so it is nice to have back to back home games now!

My travelling exploits seem to be causing some conversation …. this week it’s a little more sane!!!! Okehampton on Monday, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge & Totnes on Tuesday, Glasgow on Wednesday, Reading, Swindon and Bath on Thursday and …oh yes I nearly forgot …. Camborne today!!!! Sane …. I don’t think so … Camborne on a Sunday????????

Back to the league and it is getting forever tighter in the lower half with any of 8/9 teams caught in the mix. The league has been the toughest its ever been and I think next year will be even more competitive. As for this, well we have to keep fighting, we are still on track to finish the last Saturday in April whereas many other teams will be playing into May … what will be will be!!!

Popped along to Camborne today (Sunday) to watch Cornwall Under 20’s take on Somerset. After a fairly even first half that saw Somerset lead by a point, Cornwall took the game by the scruff of the neck and piled on a big score to win by 51-16 at the end. There were some big performances from the Cornish lads and in awful conditions at the end, they played some good stuff. I caught up with a mate who I haven’t seen for a number of years … Dave Gilbert. I used to live beside Dave about 20 years ago and we enjoyed some great times together. It was also nice to see his family again who I haven’t seen in years and to meet new members. Dave was there to see his nephew Ben Kemp, who plays for Truro, put in a good performance. …. anyway it was good to meet up with him ….. needless to say, had a nice hour in the clubhouse afterwards with Essy and left about 6:00pm after breaking my pledge not to have a beer this weekend, in fact I smashed the pledge!!!! …silly boy!!

I see Exeter Chiefs had a great win at Newcastle on Friday night. I would say this win guarantees their Premiership status and what an achievement that is … they were many people’s favourites for relegation but have defied all the odds to finish in a good position. Bath hammered an international less Northampton Saints. This is the bit that really gets me! Although it means nothing these days to finish top of the Premiership at the end of the season, it is not fair to clubs nor its supporters that they should be stripped of their players at such critical times. People pay good money to see the best players perform and to see their team win. You can understand why clubs buy in players who are not involved in the 6 Nations to bolster their squads. I suppose the England Qualified Player incentive will help to reduce this happening but is it not better to get rid of meaningless cup competitions, like the LV Cup? It serves no purpose, it clogs up the season and just causes mayhem. Have a mid season break and then bang on again …. there is still the Heineken Cup, Amlin Cup etc to keep the turnstiles ticking over!!! ….it maybe a controversial statement to make but the Saints have been the standout Premiership side this season and to travel to Bath robbed of a number of internationals is not right!

A bit of light hearted stuff now and an insight into my favourite programmes on TV at the moment!! …. No its not Dancing on Ice or rubbish like that ….its Shameless and Celebrity Juice! Both have a very exquisite taste and are not for those who don’t like bad language … these programmes are class! I can’t ever see them getting an airing on BBC 1 or ITV 1 but in this day and age of hundreds on TV Channels most have access … worth a look!!

The 6 Nations returns on Saturday with, what I believe, to be the Championship decider between England and France at Twickenham. This game has a tea time kick off so there is plenty of opportunity to come and watch the Reds play Coventry at 2:30pm and then have a beer or 2 in the clubhouse watching England. England now seem to have Tom Croft and Lewis Moody available again so that will make for a selection headache. I think Johnson will stick with the same 15 but include Moody on the bench. Whether Croft will figure at all is questionable … I suppose he could be included at the expense of a second row but Simon Shaw would so unlucky if that happened! Matt Banahan certainly stuck his hand up for selection with a great performance against Northampton when he scored a hatrick of tries.

Whilst mentioning Coventry, it’s good to see them back at Redruth. When I was a ball boy, back in the 60’s, I remember Coventry visiting with such great names as Peter Rossborough, Bill Gittings and the brilliant David Duckham. They have been back since then and I think that was back in the mid 90’s. Once again we have a great club with a great history visiting Redruth and I am sure the game will be an entertaining one.

Finally, thanks again to Jeff Sinclair and Mike Beckerleg who made the trip to Tynedale on Saturday to support us! Your encouragement was heard on the opposite side of the field to where you were stood!!!! ….. Jeff that must of been you!!

That is it for this week … hopefully back next week

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby – Redruth RFC

Match report by Ed Bawden

A try by former Bradford Bulls Rugby League player Ricki Sheriffe in the 8th minute of injury time stole the points for the home side after The Reds had led for most of the game.

A good Redruth performance in the first half saw them take a well-deserved 20 -14 lead into the interval. The place kicking of Aaron Penberthy was crucial to The Reds and took them to a 19-26 lead well into the final quarter.

Tynedale, who tried to play running rugby throughout, took advantage of Cornish errors after Luke Collins stole a crucial line out in The Reds’ 22 to level the scores in the 76th minute when replacement Matthew Outson dived over for Gavin Beasley to convert.

Deep into stoppage time Penberthy and the impressive Jack Nowell tried to run out of defence, but a knock on conceded a scrum in a good position for the hosts.

Redruth repelled several attacks and thought they had won a penalty under the crossbar but Tynedale kept on playing with Sheriffe – on loan from Newcastle and only in his second week of playing the union code – diving over in the corner for a try that broke Redruth hearts. The Reds had done enough to take home at least a draw but it was not to be.

A sturdy 19 year old Lloyd Fairbrother started on the tight head for the first time for the travelling Cornishmen and put in an impressive display against England counties prop Jon Williams.

There was heavy snow and sleet in the north east on Saturday morning and although villages 5 miles away were covered in a blanket of snow Tyndale Park was in good condition and the game went ahead with the temperature just a couple of degrees above freezing. Both Nowell and Sean Hawkey put in good defence-splitting runs for The Reds in the opening quarter.

The first penalty of the game in the 14th minute saw Penberthy put Redruth ahead with a good kick, and he added another three points 5 minutes later with a kick from 20 metres.

Strong play from Mark Bright opened up the Tynedale defence in the 24th minute, and good support play saw Owen Hambly touch down a well-taken try that Penberthy converted to open up a 13 point lead.

Tynedale hit back when their forwards rumbled over from a lineout, with Greg Irvin touching down for Beasley to convert in the 28th minute.

Following an interception on half way, Chris Fuca raced away for The Reds and gave a scoring pass to Hambly who ran another intelligent support line in the 33rd minute, Penberthy adding the extras.

On the stroke of half time following a spell of pressure on the Redruth line, Gavin Beasley broke to put Seb Visser over under the crossbar with the ‘Dale fly half adding the conversion to the score.

There was no scoring in the 3rd quarter but Tynedale were counter-rucking well and forcing Redruth to concede turnovers. Cornish Pirates player Nick Jackson did some good things after he came on to make his Reds debut, replacing Steve Kenward who took a knock to the throat.

A smart chip by Beasley saw Visser win the race to the ball in the left hand corner to reduce the deficit to a point in the 62nd minute.

Penberthy struck a magnificent penalty from the 10 metre line in the 65th minute and another three minutes later to put Redruth in a good position but they could not hold on as the home side piled on the pressure in the closing stages.

Redruth’s Director of Rugby David Penberthy was disappointed with the outcome, but could still find plenty of positives for comfort on the long journey home.

I thought in the first half we were outstanding, although we didn’t really take the chances that came our way. Every time they made forays into our half they looked dangerous, but we’ve got to take some real positives from this game: it was a good performance and we’re building week on week. I suppose I’d have been happy with two points so I’m going to have to be happy with one. This group of players are a special group: they wear the shirt for the right reasons and we’ll bounce back.

Redruth will be looking to get straight back to winning ways with a home encounter against Coventry next weekend. It’ll also be a Ladies Day at the club, with £10 enough for women to gain ground entry, the perfect pitchside perspective from the Frame UK Hospitality Suite and a buffet with a glass of wine in a man-free zone!

Referee: Andrew Vertigan (RFU)

I want to start this week by saying a big thank you to everybody who turned out to support the team on Saturday forsaking the opportunity to watch England demolish Italy in the 6 Nations. I think the game was entertaining and well worth the admission fee! Otley certainly provided some great entertainment with their free flowing style and have some very talented youngsters in their team. I think Gary Walker said there were half a dozen teenagers in their side which, I think, is what this league is all about! We were a bit overawed to start and the nerves were pretty obvious as we gave away the ball on too many occasions. A few words at half time never go amiss and the second half saw a typical Redruth fight back to, deservedly, take the 5 points. In some ways I was disappointed we conceded the bonus point try but Otley did deserve to go away with something I suppose ….I was pleased that Sam Parsons got his name on the score sheet. Sam has grown in confidence since he returned to the side in December following almost 15 months out with a serious shoulder injury. His commitment and dedication through his rehab had to be admired and he is now gaining his just rewards. Steve Wood also has done really well following 2 seasons out, his display last week at Macclesfield was immense and he followed that up on Saturday with another tackling exhibition! Man of the Match, Chris Fuca, gives his all in every game and is a huge part of the team. So, we get ourselves out of the bottom 3 and now we have to continue the momentum and put in a good performance at Tynedale next week. It will be tough but if we are to continue our recovery then a performance is necessary. I think 57 – 60 points will keep us in this league so we still have a lot to do ….

Thought England were outstanding on Saturday and I think they have uncovered a gem in Chris Ashton. No doubt everyone is now thinking “Grand Slam”, but I still think it’s a bit early for that. I think I am correct in saying that back in 2003, World Cup winning year …. England won the Grand Slam and their last game was in Ireland then as well … will it be same in 2011 another World Cup year???? Scary coincidence! Anyway back to the game, generally England outplayed Italy in every facet of the game and the substitutions were spot on …. I have the utmost admiration for Simon Shaw, a player who would have over 100 caps by now if he had not had to play second fiddle to Martin Johnson, Ben Kay and Danny Grewcock for all those seasons and who will ever forget his incredible performance for the Lions in their second test defeat in South Africa in 2009. England are blessed that they can replace their world class half backs with a pair equally as good in Care and Wilkinson! I think Johnson and his coaches have it right and I do believe England will be a force to be reckoned with in New Zealand later in the year.

Well I see James Hook proved that Wales have been wasting his talent in the centre and at full back. As I said last week, he looked the only player who posed any threat to England when he got the ball. I think he will excel when he plays in France with Perpignan and good luck to him ….. he just has to remember that there isn’t time for the line out!!!!

The French look good and the game against England should be a cracker. That game is on the 26th February at 5pm so that fits very nicely as we play Coventry in the afternoon, quick shower and change and straight into the bar!!!…sounds pretty good that!

Commiserations to the Colts who bowed out of the Under 19’s National Cup when they lost to Richmond on Sunday. I have no details at the time of writing but I know Simon and his coaches had prepared the team as best they could and, yet again, their effort has been a credit to the club. A lot of these boys will now step up into the senior ranks and hopefully some of them will go the distance. Players like Craig “Eggy” Williams and Sean Buzza have already represented the 1st XV in the Boxing Day fixture, Lewis Moyle is another to watch whilst Mikey Allen has just returned to playing and will make a good second row….

A bit of a trek again this week as I continue to explore places the length and breadth of this country! Monday is a decent day being spent in the office at Truro, Tuesday it is off to Swansea and then on Wednesday it’s Wimbledon in South West London, Thursday its across to Belfast and then Friday a jaunt to Newcastle! To be fair Friday is for rugby on Saturday but it means flying back from Belfast Thursday evening to Bristol and then driving home to see the family and then off again at lunchtime on Friday …. oh the joys of it all …..

The Colt’s Reunion gathers momentum but we are having a bit of a struggle with the team that represented the Colts in the 1975/76 final. If anyone out there remembers the team please let either Graham Still, Dave Tresidder or myself know. The date has been set for Friday April 8th in the clubhouse, that is the night before we play Macclesfield at home.

The latest edition of the Hellfire Magazine is out priced at £2. It’s a very good publication once more. There are some very good interviews and articles in there none more so than the interview with Mini Junior Player Ryan Daughtery. I have known Ryan for a few years now and, without any doubt, he is one of the nicest lads I have ever met. He is a credit to his mum and dad. Some of you may of gone to the Rick Stein do last year. During the evening they showed an interview with myself and one with Ryan. Whilst I looked like a scarecrow on the grandstand roof, Ryan came across as the “expert” and the interview was priceless! Ryan is a talented judo player as well and has represented Great Britain. His brother Kieran also plays in the mini’s and his Dad is a very loyal supporter ….

Coming up soon is the unveiling of the Redruth Rugby Hall of Fame. Jeff Knuckey’s brilliant idea will come to fruition on the weekend of the Cinderford game with an induction on the Friday night and a dinner in the Frame Hospitality Suite on the Saturday. Those being inducted are William Grylls, Bert Soloman, Maffer Davey, Fred Rule, Roy Jennings, Harry Faviell, Bill Phillips, Les Semmens, Keith Scott, Bill Bishop, Bonzo Johns, Richard Sharp, John Phillips, Derek Collins, Ken Abrahams, Paddy McGovern, Harold Stevens, Derek Prout, Terry Pryor, Graham Still, Tony Cook, Richard Keast, Alan Buzza, Colin Laity, Andy Hawken, Phil Vickery, Alifereti (Ratu) Doviverata, Rob Thirlby and Darren Jacques. Obviously some of the players mentioned are deceased but it is hoped that family members will attend. There are some great names listed above and it just shows what an incredible history this club has.

Many congratulations go to Redruth Under 16 player Oli Bryant who has been selected for the England Under 16’s squad. A squad of some 75 boys have been selected and will form part of the England, England A and England Development teams for up and coming internationals …. Oli is the son of Mark and Mandy Bryant who have done an enormous amount of work for the club.

Although I didn’t go, I understand the Black Tie Dinner went exceptionally well at the Penventon Park Hotel on Friday night. Once again Mark and Mandy are to be commended for all their hard work in getting this off the ground.

As I mentioned last week, Ben Fox leaves for Afghanistan shortly and we made a small presentation to him in the clubhouse on Saturday evening. We gave a playing shirt and a jacket and he has promised to keep in touch via Facebook and will send a photo of himself wearing his Redruth shirt …. I know I said it to you on Saturday but we all wish you the very best and please make sure you look after yourself.

A blast from the past ….. I have finally made contact with James “Chopper” Lancaster!! After months of trying to track him down I got in touch with him, thanks to Paul Thirlby, a couple of weeks back and he is now in Australia working. He wishes to be remembered to all at the club. He has 2 beautiful children and has settled in Melbourne with his wife Hayley. He says he will be back in the UK in a couple of years and will visit the club again …

Just an update on injuries, Dan Job is progressing reasonably well after his horrific injury suffered against Plymouth a few weeks ago. He has undergone surgery on his ankle/leg and has had it all pinned. Ashley Morcom hopes to resume training shortly as he recovers from his back injury, Peter Joyce will miss this weeks trip to Tynedale with his rib injury. We are not sure how long this will keep Joycer out…hopefully not too long. Paul Thirlby has a serious problem with his neck/shoulder which will keep him sidelined for a time. We have been fortunate to secure the services of Lloyd Fairbrother, who has been playing for Exmouth and is a member of the Exeter Chiefs Academy and also Nick Jackson has joined, on loan, from the Cornish Pirates. Nick is recovering from a serious leg injury and will rejoin the Pirates in a few weeks. Also I must not leave out Oggy Wright who has returned to the club. Oggy made contact when he heard about the front row crisis we were suffering and he has been great since he has been here…..

So that is about it for this week, if you are making the trip to Tynedale I will see you there, if you are not I hope to see you at our next home game against Coventry in a couple of weeks…. don’t forget the up and coming events … Lady Godiva Day on February 26th, St Pirans Day on Saturday 5th March, Hall of Fame lunch on 26th March and the End of Season Party after the Blaydon game on the 23rd April which is Easter Saturday ….

Cheers for now

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby