For the first time this century Redruth Ladies ran out onto the Recreation Ground to take on visitors from Devon, Plymouth Argaum Ladies. On a beautiful sunny day a crowd of around 150 saw a very entertaining encounter played in a great spirit by both sides. It was the Reds who would prevail by 3 tries to 1 in what was generally a very even encounter. A nod should be given at this point the Referee Nick Croker who controlled the match perfectly allowing both teams to get the most out of the game.

Redruth got off to a flier, kicking off and playing towards Hellfire Corner the kick-off conveniently bounced back into Redruth hands. Prop forward Aeryn Cooke went on a storming run scattering aside would be tacklers, she was finally pulled down some 10 metres short and then quick recycling saw Hooker Ella Fitzgerald cut through the remaining defenders to go over for the Reds first try with barely 2 minutes on the clock, the conversion, as would all kicks on the day, just failed to bisect the uprights. It wasn’t long before the Reds added to their tally, a great run by Fitzgerald took play deep into the visitors half and she was only stopped at the expense of a penalty. The Reds opted to tap and Fitzgerald went over for her second try of the afternoon. At this point the visitors had yet to touch the ball but that was about to change. From a scrum in the Reds half they went on the attack with series of phases in the Reds 22. Good defence prevented a score but only at the expense of a penalty. Argaum tapped and one of their forwards crashed over the line for a try with 15 minutes on the clock. For the next 15 minutes or so play took place between the 22’s with neither side able to seriously threaten the try line. As time in the half was running out a great run from Fitzgerald almost saw her make the try line but the scramble defence did its job. The Reds though won a 5 metre scrum and picking up at the back of the scrum Grace Zaccardelli went blind and touched down in Piggy Lane Corner. The halftime whistle was blown after the unsuccessful conversion.
Halftime: Redruth Ladies 15 – 0 Plymouth Argaum Ladies

Amazingly there was to be no scoring in the second period, the defences of both sides refusing to be breeched. The first 15 minutes of the second period was all Redruth as they pressured the visitors in their own 22 but they could not fashion a score. The remainder of the half was even with neither team able to mount any sustained pressure. Both teams ran from everywhere and almost never kicked the ball making for a very entertaining second period. The match ended with the visitors on the attack in Hellfire Corner after a rare kick had found a great touch in the Reds 22. The Reds were able to secure the lineout ball and the final whistle was blown at the next breakdown to the delight of the Redruth team.

Well done to both sides and thanks to Plymouth Argaum for travelling down to Cornwall. The Reds were delighted to have won in their first match as a new team especially when considering that about 2/3 of the team are new to rugby and their opponents play in the Inner Warrior League.

Redruth
Tries: Fitzgerald (2), Zaccardelli.

Plymouth Argaum
Try: (1)

Referee: Nick Croker.