REDRUTH 33 – 18 SHELFORD
Redruth got their National League 2 South campaign off to
a flying start at the Recreation Ground with a five-try win over opponents
Shelford, reports Bill Hooper.
The Redruth forwards laid the foundations for an
encouraging opening day win with a dominant display throughout. Whilst
scrum-half Nick Simmons about to depart for Australia helped himself to a
couple of tries as a parting momento.
The tone was set with lock Luke Collins pinching the
opening Shelford line out. Domination soon turned to points with No.8 Tom
Duncan powering over from a five-metre scrum after just 5 minutes. Six minutes
later the Redruth faithful were on their feet as winger Lewis Vinnicombe ripped
into the Shelford 22 chipping the ball forward for fellow winger Tom Notman to
race in for a memorable try.
Both scores were converted by fly-half Aaron Penberthy
for a 14-0 lead.
Redruth were then guilty of sitting back allowing the
visitors to come into the game with fly-half Harry Owens kicking a penalty.
The Reds weathered the storm to strike back with a third
try scored by flanker Chris Fuca for a 19-3 lead after 19 minutes.
Shelford enjoyed a period of possession and got some
reward for their efforts as full-back Jay Williams crossed in the Strawberry
Lane corner for an un-converted try.
Just after the half-hour mark Redruth had the bonus point
wrapped up as scrum-half Nick Simmons popped over in the Piggy Lane corner
following a scrum. Penberthy kicked a fine conversion for a healthy 26-8 lead,
which remained the score up to half-time.
Owens kicked a second penalty for the visitors just after
half-time, and then added a conversion to his own try as Shelford countered
from their own 22 as Redruth hesitated. Rupert Ransom at No.8 was proving a
handful for the Reds’ defence
Any nerves about a remarkable revival from the visitors
were quickly dispelled as Simmons grabbed his second try of the game and
Penberthy his fourth conversion to leave the final score at 33-18 and a winning
start for the Reds to send the faithful home in good heart.
Redruth 33 pts
Tries – Duncan, Notman, Fuca, Simmons (2), Conversions –
Penberthy (4)
Shelford 18 pts
Tries – Williams, Owens, Penalties – Owens (2),
Conversion – Owens
The Cornish All Blacks lost their opening fixture in
National League 2 South when they were beaten 31-18 at Old Albanians.
In a pre-season friendly the CORNISH PIRATES got some revenge over WORCESTER WARRIORS wining 24 – 21 at Sixways!
