They say a game of rugby is a match of two halves and this one certainly was. The first 40 saw the visitors dominate possession and much of the play was in the Redruth half but the Saints were unable to turn this advantage into points as the stubborn Reds defence kept them at bay. Whenever the Reds got hold of the ball, they looked very dangerous with their backs often making great inroads up the field. The second 40 in contrast was all Redruth as the home side ran in 6 tries keeping their opponents on the back foot throughout. As ever in these pre-season friendlies both sides took the opportunity to give the bulk of their squads a run out with the Reds using no less than 28 players on the night.

On a beautiful summers evening with a large crowd in attendance to enjoy rugby in the sunshine it was St. Austell who had first use of the slope. The Reds struck first, running out of defence Sam James cut through and took play deep into the visitor’s half, quick ball found Rhys Bowery who showed good pace to run-in from 40 metres for an unconverted try. The Saints got on the attack and they were held-up over the line as the Reds defended well. St.Austell were having the better of things but they were unable to force a score before, with the temperatures hitting a balmy 17 degrees the players stopped for a hydration break! The Reds almost extended their lead on the restart when another break out from defence looked to have fashioned a try but a foot in touch spoiled what would have been a great score. This aside the next 20 minutes were following the pattern of the first 20 with the Saints unable to cross the Redruth line until in the dying seconds when the St. Austell centre powered through a few tackles and to go over by the posts. The conversion from in front was pulled wide to the embarrassment of the place kicker.
Half-Time: Redruth 5 – 5 St.Austell

The Reds were on the front foot from the off, from a scum on half-way they broke downfield and earned a 5-metre scrum. After pressure on the line Kaiden Carne drove over for the first score of the half with Joe Cummins adding the conversion on 43 minutes. Cummins was to be immaculate from the tee on the evening adding a further 5 conversions. Soon after the Reds extended their lead, running a kick out of defence back they sliced open the defence and Jack Counter sped over on 47 minutes. Only 3 minutes later Sam James added another following some phases after a line-out close to the line. 26-5 to the Reds after 50 minutes. On 60 minutes Tom Cowan-Dickie got into the act when after a powerful line out drive from the 22, he was on hand to make the last few metres just prior to the second hydration break. The last 20 saw the Reds add two further tries as well as being held-up over the line a couple of times. Firstly, a catch and drive from 10 metres was finished off by debutant Rob Baragwanath who had caught the eye with some powerful runs in the second period. The last try came after some great work down the left wing by Adam Hall who passed inside to the supporting Lewis Wills to cap the scoring on the night.

Both sides will have gained a lot from this match and the respective coaches will have a much better idea as to who their starting squads will be when the league season kicks off. Good luck to the Saints for the coming season.

The Reds have two more friendlies before the league season starts, away to Penzance & Newlyn on Friday 21st and home to Newquay Hornets on Wednesday 26th.

Redruth
Tries: Bowery, Carne, Counter, James, Cowan-Dickie, Baraganawath, Wills.
Conv: Cummins (6).

St.Austell
Try: (1)