by Ross Tucknott

With nothing but victory in the Dales likely to be enough to save Redruth’s position in National One next season, we’re taking a quick look at how our opponents have fared themselves this season and what results need to occur to keep Cornish interest in the third tier of English rugby.

Wharfedale kick-started their season at our expense at the Recreation Ground in September, a 78th minute Andrew Hodgson try converted by Thomas Davidson enough to undermine earlier scores by Steve Kenward and Mark Bright, snatching a 15-16 victory. It was Wharfedale’s third successive win at the Rec: a feat unmanaged by any other team at this level.

However, the danger signs for the Dalesmen’s clunky campaign showed early as a two-point defeat at home to Cinderford started an unfortunate trend. With just 6 wins and 1 draw, only Otley have a worse home record this year. Other notable home defeats include Blaydon (13-15), Blackheath (14-21) and Launceston (10-12), whilst it recently took two converted tries in the 77th and 79th minutes to salvage a draw from what had been up until that point a complete capitulation to Sedgley Park.

The home supporters have not been subjected only to doom and gloom though. The season’s highlights for Wharfedale must include a compelling 43-24 destruction of Macclesfield and another last-gasp 79th minute converted Dan Solomi try to beat mercurial Cambridge 31-28.

Tries have been hard to come by for Wharfedale, having scored less than any other team so far this season (66), but this is only fractionally less per game than Redruth (2.357 versus 2.379). Unlike Redruth when it’s rained tries it’s poured tries, with Wharfedale securing 9 try bonus points as opposed to our 5. Fifty-three penalties has been what has kept their scoreboard ticking over: only Rosslyn Park have scored more of them.

Whafedale’s tries have been split remarkably evenly between forwards (30) and backs (31), meaning that they have the third highest forwards:backs tries ratio in the league after Coventry and Redruth. Dan Solomi heads the Dalesmen’s try scoring with 11, whilst Andrew Hodgson has 8 and Simon Horsfall 7. Talite Vaioleti, David Hughes, Rob Baldwin, Steve Graham and Chris Malherbe all have four between them.

Unlike other teams in the league, Wharfedale have a very distinct scoring pattern both home and away, scoring twice as many tries in the last 20 minutes of each half as they did in the first 20 minutes! Couple that with Redruth’s habit of conceding twice as frequently in the last 20 minutes of each half than the first 20 minutes of each half and a trip to the bookies suddenly seems in order…

Having talked about Wharfedale’s season so far, they seem a good place to start with discussing Redruth’s permutations of survival. The Dalesmen are five points clear of Redruth with a game in hand on 62 points, so only a 5-0 league point victory would put them in danger – Wharfedale would then be behind Redruth on games won (and possibly points difference too – this is the next criteria after games won). They (and we) would then only learn their fate after playing at Cinderford on 21st May, where a single bonus point would be enough to continue their status as the longest-running occupants of level 3 rugby. Verdict: As good as safe.

Cinderford too are not mathematically safe on 62 points either and two games in hand, but should Redruth grab 5 points this weekend then they would still be behind Cinderford on points difference (currently by 81 points). A point would guarantee the Forresters’ safety, but successive home games this weekend against Barking and next weekend against Cambridge might make that tricky, as well as possibly eroding their points difference to less than that of Redruth. Should they need it, they will then have the Wharfedale game to save themselves with both sides needing at most a point. Verdict: More chance of getting hit by lighting.

Blaydon might have done enough this weekend to keep themselves safe. A losing bonus point and restricting the Reds to two tries means that they sit on 59 points (2 ahead of us) with a game in hand, so a single victory would be enough no matter what. Even better for them, this weekend sees them host relegated Otley, so there is great expectation on the north-easterners to secure their status in style. Should they fail, they get a second shot at survival before heading back to work when they make the tiny trip to Tynedale for their derby game. Verdict: As good as safe

Sedgley Park once seemed the most likely team to be caught by Redruth, but recent performances have kept the great Mancunian escape artists with their heads above water (it took the restructuring of the Championship two years ago to relegate them before). Currently on 59 points with a game in hand, a win this weekend would guarantee their safety should Redruth win but a trip to Cambridge is perhaps not the best place to look for victory. Should the two teams finish the day on equal points then Redruth would leap-frog the Tigers on points difference (unless Redruth draw and Sedgley lose, in which case Sedgley stay ahead on games won). Sedgley’s game in hand is a home encounter with Macclesfield on the 7th of May, and a win would certainly keep them safe. Verdict: Still might have work to do – Macc county call-ups might be key? – but probably safe.

Redruth have had their fate held in the hands of others for the last couple of months, and that it’s coming down to the last game is a testament to the character of the players and coaches at the club. Whatever happens it’s been a great season: let’s just hope the next is just as good but for a different set of reasons! As for the game: can the last person leaving Redruth turn off the lights?!

Match report to available by Bill Hooper at Bill Hooper’s Cornish Roundup.
Match Video Highlights below – use the controls in the sidebar to watch it in fullscreen mode and increase the resolution!

The traditional Good Friday fixture saw a Redruth XV run in ten tries against a young and keen Medicals who themselves added five tries for the good-sized crowd’s entertainment. Redruth Man of the Match was current joint-coach and former centre legend Craig Bonds. His masterful hands and gliding presence set up many a chance as Bonds gave the younger players a masterclass in tackling and attacking play. Craig was making his first ever appearance in the same starting XV as younger brother Dean.

Not to be outdone, Reds favourite Mark Richards made a welcome return to the fold, this time kicking huge distances from fly-half. Number 8 Adam Lewarne scored the first of his two tries in the second minute with Dean Bonds finishing off a great handling move six minutes later. Craig Bonds notched the third try on sixteen minutes, converted by Richards and a cricket score was on the cards. However the Medicals had other ideas and began to find their feet with some neat and quick passages of play. John Underwood ran in a hat-trick of tries on the day, with Sergei Bolonov and Graham Corin completing the scoring.

For Redruth, another former Red Simon Peters and young prospect Lewis Moyle touched down before half-time, where Redruth led 29-15. Second-half tries from Jamie Moore, Craig Williams, Mike Allen, Ben Drew and Lewarne rounded off the day. Illogan Park player-coach Andy Hawkey played the final fifteen minutes – by nine years the most senior player on the pitch but still fit and determined.

Redruth: tries: Lewarne 2, D.Bonds. C.Bonds, Moyle, Peters, Moore, Williams. Allen, Drew, convs: Richards 2, Williams 2.
Imperial Medicals: Underwood 3, Bolonov, Corin, conv: Bolonov.

Redruth: Dean Bonds, Craig Williams, Craig Bonds, Simon Peters, Ben Drew, Mark Richards, Jason Jackson; Strick, Lewis Moyle, Mark Rayner, Mike Allen, Chris Pooley (C), Jason Pengilly, Matt Bunt, Adam Lewarne. Reps: Jamie Moore, Sam Bristow, Matt Probert, Sam Butcher, Nathan Thomas, John Jackson, Andy Hawkey.

Phew ….. what a nerve racking experience that was and I can honestly say that I could not even watch the last 3 minutes of the game after having a bit of a “funny turn”!!!!!! I found myself sitting on the steps of the changing rooms, fingers in ears, heart pumping just waiting and hoping that the final whistle would go … 3 minutes felt like 3 hours, but when it did go it felt pretty good!

The boys played their hearts out, they gave everything they had and it secured a famous victory at one of the most famous clubs in rugby! Luke Collins was absent but Chris Bailey, a student at the university in Falmouth, came in for his first start in the second row. Chris is normally a back rower but took the lock position owing to the horrendous injury Will Penney suffered the previous week playing for the Development Team against West Country Warriors last Sunday. At the time of writing this Will is still in hospital waiting for an operation to repair the spiral fracture to the leg and broken ankle. We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he will be able to play again next season.

Back to the rugby and to Chris Bailey, he had a great game as did the whole forward pack and it was great to welcome back Peter Joyce who answered an SOS on Thursday to fill a bench spot after Lloyd Fairbrother pulled out with an AC joint injury. The backline had an average age of 21 years old and played with great purpose that belied their age. I am really very proud of this team in fact the squad and the experience they have gained throughout this season will bode well for them and the club going forward. I am hopeful of keeping them together and will be announcing those who have agreed to stay over the next few weeks. One player definitely leaving is Sean Hawkey. Sean is going to Medical School in Dundee and will take up his position in September. Sean has proved to be a very valuable member of our squad and has improved as the season has progressed. We obviously wish him well and we will miss his direct running, solid defence and strength in the tackle.

Yet more congratulations are due to our Under 10’s and to Chris Sidwell. The boys competed in the Weston Hornets Festival on Sunday and won the competition. They scored 22 tries during the day and conceded zero!! The Under 11’s also took part and they came runners up in their competition. The season really has been a major success for our Mini Junior Section and I am sure it is not over yet!!

A major talking point over the past few weeks has been about the future of the league. We must all resign ourselves to the fact that there will be no U Turn on funding, that is a “dead duck”!! The reason I say that is because the RFU have made it very clear to Championship clubs that they are not prepared to reconsider the current funding to those clubs. They have stated that clubs must be able to support themselves and their financial futures must be sustainable. Currently, Championship clubs receive circa £306k and they have to support what is supposed to be a fully professional outfit on that. Some clubs are fortunate to have financial backers to top this up but others are not so lucky and find themselves with huge financial burdens that they have to cope with. At Level 3 it is no different apart from the fact that from the 2011/2012 season our funding will cover an element towards our travelling cost, currently circa £20k, and accommodation is covered at a rate of £575 per stay incurred. That means that you only get the contribution if you incur the expense! The fact that we have chosen to travel on the days of games has not really saved us anything, but has benefited the RFU.

My thoughts, and I know many others are thinking more this way, is the leagues need reforming. Believe I am not a supporter of regionalisation but I see no options. I also think that a 30 game league programme is too much for players who are not able to commit themselves to a fitness and conditioning regime that keeps them ultra fit and conditioned. The league programme, owing to the weather prior to Xmas, has resulted in 17 games in 17 weeks for us. This takes it toll on a squad and puts huge pressure on players who have young families and get recompensed with very little. I have tried to come up with a format that could work but I now realise how difficult that is. Maybe a league with less teams, the County Championship built into the structured season and a Play Off situation at the top and bottom could work. Maybe a model based on the Championship could work? I also think that a National Cup competition is badly missing. I think I am correct in saying that National 1 is the only league not involved in any cup competition …. Oh well I don’t envy the Competitions committee at Twickenham one little bit!!

Many congratulations to Ollie Bryant who made his England Under 16 A debut against Canada Under 17’s at Wellington College on Sunday. Ollie started the game at inside centre (12) and England won the game 29 – 12. Ollie played all but 5 minutes of the game and had to leave the field with a dead leg. Hopefully that will mend in time for his next game. It was a very proud day for both Mark, Mandy and Jake as well.

I also have a bit of news myself: Aaron has been selected for the England Counties Under 20 team to play Scotland at West Leeds on Friday May 6th. The Counties Under 20’s team is a new concept this year and provides youngsters with an opportunity of playing for England after representing their counties during the County Championship. I think this a much needed pathway for boys who are outside of the Premiership Academies and who still aspire to play representative rugby for their country.

This weekend sees Easter upon us once more and on Good Friday we have the annual fixture against St Mary’s Hospital, now known as Imperial Medics. This fixture dates back many years and in the past there have been some great games between the 2 sides. I remember back in the 70’s the great JPR Williams playing at Redruth. On that Good Friday we actually had snow and the game was abandoned at half time!! On Saturday we welcome Blaydon for our National 1 fixture. I am not going to “big” this game up anymore as I think we all know how important it is. I hope we have a massive crowd and at the end the players will assemble with the supporters and mini junior members in Hellfire Corner for the traditional end of season drink….so don’t miss that! On Easter Monday we make the short trip to Camborne to play in the Rodda’s Milk Cup against Camborne. This will be 2nd time the 2 clubs compete for this trophy with the Reds the current holders following the Boxing Day clash.

So there we go, last home game of the season coming up and then a trip to Wharfedale for our last game of the season. As you know Wharfedale is my favourite place to go and this time we are taking advantage of the fact that we are staying in Leeds on the Saturday night. This will enable us to stay at the Wharfedale club afterwards and enjoy their hospitality no matter what the outcome is of the game or our season… I am really looking forward to seeing Mick and Rodney again and the banter will be its usual tame stuff!!!!!!!! ….

Really hope you make the effort on Saturday to be there, we want a big crowd!!

Cheers for now

David Penberthy

Director of Rugby

SQUAD PHOTO; (Back Row L-R)  Patrick Wilkins, Charlie Standen, Jordan Opie, Ruben Martyn, Thomas Polkinghorne, William Kitto, Jordan Sidwell, Jack Goldring, Matthew Pascoe. (Front Row L-R) Ryan Hanson, Cameron Williams, Aaron Kessell, Luke Martin.

On Sunday17th April,  Redruth U10′s made the trip to Weston Hornets RFC to try and retain the title that they won last year. Due to a couple of late team withdrawals, the festival was to be played on a round robin basis and a league format was introduced. Simple really, win all your games and you win the festival!!

The U10′s section consisted of Old Halesonians, Ebbw Vale, Weston Hornets and Nailsea.

Results: 

Redruth 45 – 0 Old Halesonians.   Scorers; Patrick x2, Jack, Jordan O. x3, Jordan S. x2, Matt.

Redruth 10 – 0 Ebbw Vale.   Scorers; Jordan O & Patrick.

Redruth 15 – 0 Hornets.  Scorers; Jordan O. x2 &  Jordan S

Redruth 40 – 0 Nailsea.  Scorers; Jack x2, Jordan O. x2, Ryan, Luke, Matt & Cameron.

Well done to all involved on what was a very hot day and a hard fast pitch, it was a real squad effort with everyone playing their part in the defence of the title. Rucking was excellent as was the handling, running and tackling which shows as we scored 22 tries and conceded none! Complimentary comments were made about you all afternoon about the way you played, well done boy’s!

Also, well done to the U11′s who were runners up in there competition.

Thanks must go to Steve from Weston Horents for his hospitality and organisation of the festival which, I know this year was a real struggle for him when teams drop out on the day before. Hopefully we will see you again next year!

Chris Sidwell.

Report by Ed Bawden

Aaron Penberthy’s injury time drop goal keeps Redruth’s hopes of avoiding relegation alive as they take 5 vital points back to Cornwall.

Redruth’s young side showed outstanding character and determination to come back from being 21-12 behind at half time to gain a well deserved win over one of the biggest names in English rugby in their own stadium.

On a warm day, the pitch was firm and dusty as Nick Simmons got the Reds off to a promising start with a blind side break that took play into the Coventry 22.

After Luke Collins failed a fitness test on Thursday night, young student Chris Bailey came into the second row and put in some invaluable graft in his first start in a red shirt.

Following an interception on half way Owen Hambly raced away from the cover defence to touchdown the Reds’ first try after 6 minutes.

The Cornish side had the better of the first quarter and good play from Simmons, Chris Fuca and Brett Rule saw Matt Bowden race over for a good try in the 12th minute that Penberthy converted.

Redruth were guilty of some poor kicking that gave Coventry too much space to counter attack. Canadian international Seb Pearson was a big threat with his powerful runs and skipper Alex Nash got through a lot of work at the breakdown.

Coventry had Redruth on the rack for a long period with four successive penalties that culminated in Reds skipper Mark Bright being sent to the sin bin in the 28th minute for pinching the ball at a ruck under the Redruth crossbar.

The hosts took immediate advantage driving the Reds back at a scrum that left Referee Keith Lewis with little option but to award a penalty try that Elliot Read converted.

4 minutes later Coventry ran back a poor Redruth box kick and winger Jeff Gregson went over for a try that Reid improved.

At this stage Coventry were dominating the game and Redruth had few answers as fly half Reid dummied his way for a try at the posts that he also converted just before the break.

The first score in the second half was crucial and it was inevitable that “Captain Fantastic” Bright powered his way over under the crossbar for Penberthy to convert.

Redruth regained the lead in the 47th minute when Fuca who enjoyed a good game won a line out for Hambly to scamper over for his second try.

Another ill-judged Redruth kick gave Dan Richards the chance to counter attack and the move ended with prop Tom Warren just beating the touchline to score an unconverted try in the right hand corner in the 55th minute.

Redruth were playing strongly as a team with every man doing his job: Damien Cook had a tremendous game in the close quarter stuff, and props Ashley Morcom and Darren Jacques also made big contributions.

Trailing by 2 points in the final 10 minutes Redruth had three good chances, Richards made a vital stop on Tom Notman in the corner and minutes later Sean Hawkey was held up on the line with 3 men outside. A thrilling run in from of the grandstand by Matt Gidlow opened up the Coventry defence but Steve Wood supporting flat out spilled the ball.

Reds fans were delighted to see Peter Joyce who suffered a nasty hand injury 6 weeks ago return to the side as a replacement in the closing stages.

With time running out Coventry were penalised for lowering at a scrum on the 22 meter line but Penberthy was wide with the penalty, however a minute later he was the toast of the travelling fans with a snap drop goal from 35 meters that wobbled its way over the bar to put the Cornishmen in front.

In an agonising finish Coventry had a penalty chance wide out on the left after the Reds were penalised at a ruck but Ben Russell’s kick drifted across the posts to Redruth’s relief.

After this let-off Redruth still had a minute to hold out but they were not going to be denied a famous win.

Attention now turns back to the Recreation Ground on Saturday as Blaydon travel to Cornwall looking to save themselves and seal Redruth’s fate, whilst a win for the Cornish side would keep them in the hunt to beat the drop with a final foray to picturesque Wharfedale to finish the season.

Coventry
Tries: Penalty, Gregson, Reid, Warren
Con: Reid 3

D Richards; J Gregson, B Russell, J Green, Tom Harris; E Reid (Rep H Stevens 60 Min), L Audis (Rep R Glynn 64 Min); T Warren, M Price, A Parkins, S Herrington, A Weaver, B Daynes (Rep M Tibbatts 56 Min), A Nash (Capt), S Pearson
Reps not used M Kent, L Beales

Redruth
Tries: Hambly 2, Bowden, Bright
Con: Penberthy 2
Drop: Penberthy
Yellow Card Bright
B Rule (Rep S Kenward 52-66 Min); M Bowden, S Hawkey, S Parsons, T Notman; A Penberthy, N Simmons; D Jacques, R Brown (Rep M Gidlow 64 Min), A Morcom (Rep P Joyce 66 Min), C Bailey (Rep S Wood 55 Min), D Cook, C Fuca, O hambly, M Bright (Capt)
Rep Not used T Duncan

Ref Keith Lewis (RFU)

A late try with just five minutes on the clock from Paignton centre Daniel Sanders ensured a home victory. Both sides entertained a good sized crowd on a sunny afternoon on the Riviera. Paignton Numver 8 Alex Ford scored a try in each half and home fly-half Sam Hedges place kicking was crucial. For Redruth, solid defence and good back play, particularly out wide saw tries from Kessell and Sean Buzza with centre Jack Churcher also place kicking well to keep the visitors in the hunt for most of the game.

Redruth play Wadebridge in the Cornwall Colts Under 18s Cup Final at Hayle on Sunday 1st May, kick off 6.15pm.

Paignton: tries: Ford 2, Sanders, convs: Hedges 2, pens: Hedges 3.
Redruth: tries: Kessell, Buzza, penalty try, conv: Churcher 2, pen; Churcher.

20 April 1991 is a date indelibly lodged in the minds of every Cornish rugby supporter – the day 40,000 Cornwall supporters descended on Twickenham to witness their team secure the County Championship for the first time in over 80 years. (If you can’t quite remember why, scroll down and see!)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this historic event we are issuing invitations to the living members of that Cornwall squad (sadly Tony Mead is no longer with us) to join us at the home of Cornish rugby. The 1991 squad are being invited to attend a buffet lunch after which they will be introduced to the crowd, prior to our crucial relegation battle with Blaydon. Prior to the match a DVD of the historic 1991 match at Twickenham will be shown in the Clubhouse – highlights can be watched below this message across three parts.

Tickets are available for the Buffet Lunch at a Special Offer Price to Members at only £10 per person, whilst non-members can purchase tickets for £25. In order to secure your place either call the Clubhouse on 01209 215520 or email Gerry at GeneralManager@redruthrugby.com.

Cornwall v Yorkshire: County Cup Final 1991 – the Highlights

If you can’t remember just how epic a match Cornwall’s victory over Yorkshire was at Twickenham in 1991, or you just fancy trying to spot yourself in the crowd, here’s three videos of the BBC’s coverage of the rugby match 20 years ago.

Don’t forget that you can watch some of Redruth’s recent league games on our YouTube rugby highlights channel too. We’ll be covering the forthcoming Cornwall v Hertfordshire match at Redruth’s Recreation Ground on the 7th May too, for anyone unable to join the crowds who’ll be turning up to support the best Cornish players in their bid for more glory.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Don’t forget to book your place with the Champions at our celebratory buffet lunch now!

The U16s became Redruth Mini/ Juniors 6th age group County Champions in what has been a remarkable season for club.Redruth ran out 31-15 winners against Penzance in an entertaining match played in summer like conditions at Newquay Sports Club.After a nervy opening the Reds were first to score with a try by Ben Hocking . Penzance replied immediately and then took the lead with a penalty, Oli Bryant then scored from a well worked backs move and converting to give the Reds a 12-8 half lead. Reds came out all guns blazing in the second half and scored two quick tries by Oli and Keiran Young, to their credit the Pirates never gave up and replied with a converted try to set up a tense finish,but it was the Reds who had the final say with a try in the corner by Sean Barret brilliantly converted by Oli Bryant to round off a great team performance.Well done to all the squad for their passion,effort and commitment this season. Also many thanks to our vocal supporters, who over the last ten years have been there to cheer the team on come rain or shine. It was great to end the U16′s with the boys collecting the trophy, which has been long overdue.

Not quite the result I had hoped for on Saturday but nevertheless it still gives us a chance of staying in National 1. For once, some of the results around us helped and Saturday’s game at Coventry is certainly one we are looking forward to. I have said many times that the run in to the end of the season is about us putting performances together to start to build a foundation for next season whichever league we find ourselves in. Many said to me on Saturday what a good game it was and I was a bit confused which game they were watching BUT it was not that bad! I have had a chance to review the DVD and yes we did miss chances in the first 20 minutes but it does become difficult when you have to chase the game and you play against a team who seemed pretty happy to go away with a draw and shut up shop in the last 10 minutes of the game. We played some good stuff and I am pleased with that. Our back line averaged 21 years old on Saturday and with such a young group they are bound to make the odd mistake and we should all get behind them, encourage them to try things and support them whether it is good or bad!! That said, Macclesfield are a good side and are 4th in the table and have some very good players. They have done very well in their 1st season at this level and I am sure they will be a force to be reckoned with next season as well.

On the downside from Saturday I was very upset to hear some of the players saying about the abuse levelled at them from a group of people standing at the town end of the ground. I find this totally unacceptable and those people should be ashamed of themselves. I know people are passionate about the club and don’t like it when things are not going well, but abuse is not the answer! These guys give their best and I will not have this sort of thing going on or being said about them!! Redruth Rugby supporters are the best group of people you could wish to support you so this is obviously a minority, please give your support and not stoop to the level of supporters who support other sports!

Went to Newquay yesterday to watch the Under 16’s win the County Cup by beating Penzance by 31pts – 15pts. This was a great game of rugby and I was very impressed with the performance with a number of boys showing tremendous promise. A lot of thanks and credit has to go to Team Manager Nigel Eathorne who has been with the lads from Under 7’s and also to Chris Allan and Jake Bryant who have spent many hours coaching. Olly Bryant showed his undoubted promise and there were also good performances from Ben Hocking at full back …in fact its not fair to single out individuals … it was a great team performance!! The boys now move onto Colts rugby and I hope to see many of them start to break into the 1st Team Squad in the not too distant future

Some news about one of our former Mini/Junior and Colts players … Liam Norwell. Liam gained a professional contract this season at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and made his full County Championship debut on Friday in the LV Competition against Derbyshire and what a debut he had! In his first championship innings he hit 19 runs and then demolished the Derbyshire team with a stunning bowling spell of 6 wickets for 46. He followed this up with a further wicket in the 2nd innings and Gloucestershire were left needing 146 runs to win. Liam spent 6 months in Australia through the winter at the Mike Gatting Cricket Academy and that has obviously been a huge benefit to him. We all wish Liam the very best of luck with his cricket career and hope he goes far in his chosen sport …..

Friday night just gone saw the club hold a Colts Reunion for the 73/76 Colts group and it was a great night! People who came were former players Nigel Mitchell, Farley Down, Rob Piper, Herbie Goldsworthy, Dave Tresidder, Phil Angove, Nigel Parkyn, Steve Wetherelt, John Kitto, Graham Still, Brett Pedley, Geoff Hoon, Jerry Penna, Ed Brown, Mike Williams, Ray Bone, Phil Tiddy, plus committee men Spider Watts, Brian Brokenshire, John Symons, Adrian Kellow and coaches Terry Pryor and Neil Craze. Many stories were exchanged and it was just great to be able to have time to chat about the good times we all had back in those days. Many of us went to primary, junior and senior school together and made friendships that will last forever. Dave Tresidder and Graham Still spoke brilliantly about those friendships and the precedent this group set for Colts teams who have turned out for the Redruth club. It is hoped to extend the years soon and try to organise a reunion involving more recent teams ….it was truly a great night!

So the Heineken Cup reaches the semi final stage and my predictions were not bad! My pre 1st round prediction of Northampton Saints winning the trophy is still intact BUT Leinster are looking good! The draw for the semis sees both French teams, Perpignan and Toulouse, travelling so I would think that The Saints, with their full contingent of internationals back, and Leinster look good bets to meet in the final in Cardiff in May. In the Amlin I was so pleased to see Munster win in Brive and they now take on Harlequins at Thomond Park. The other semi sees Clermont Auvergne take on Stade Francais so that means there will be one French team in a final!!!!! Just thinking ahead to those final’s in May … if Munster win they will compete in the Amlin final on the Friday night and that means if Leinster get through to the final of the Heineken, Cardiff will have 2 of the best groups of supporters you could ever wish to be with in the same place at the same time … cant wait!!!!

Onto this week’s game and a first ever visit to the Butts Arena at Coventry ….. I have been told that it is a great stadium and we are looking forward to going there. It’s a big game and we will give it everything!

To the Aviva Premiership and are Leeds about to do a Houdini act??? Bottom all season and then 3 wins out of 3 and they are off the bottom!! Newcastle are now rooted to the foot of the table and it looks like this is about to go down to the wire as well ….just as well Exeter had a decent run early on in the campaign as they have lost a few recently and are now faced with an RFU enquiry into the registration and playing off Fijian international Nemani Nadola that could very well lead to points deduction if the RFU deem.

The Championship looks like its going to be a tight affair with the Pirates getting a home draw against London Welsh and Worcester will get a home draw against either Doncaster or Bedford I think?? I still think Worcester will edge it although the semi final between Pirates and London Welsh will be a cracker. The Welsh have had some good results in the past against the Pirates and will want to progress to the final to make up for their disappointment last year after getting knocked out at the semi final stage.

So that is it for this week, hope to see a few of you next week at Coventry

Cheers for now

Dave Penberthy

Director of Rugby