A typical pre-season friendly entertained a large crowd at the Mennaye Field. A dozen tries, two interceptions and a stunning second half try by Redruth prop Rohan Ewels kept all eyes firmly fixed on the action. The ground was firm but with a decent covering of grass and the sun shone until it set making it a lovely evening for rugby.

The Pirates started off affairs and the Reds put pressure on themselves by dropping the kick-off. The home side went through an impressive set of phases in the Reds 22 and eventually broke the Reds defence with a grubber kick behind the lines for the first try that was converted (the only successful Pirates conversion the night). The Reds were looking rusty and making unforced errors but on 13 minutes suddenly hit back. Faced with a wall of Pirates defenders outside of him Joe Cummins cut inside and was in the clear putting the Reds on the front foot and the move was finished off by Matthew Blewett with Cummins slotting the conversion. On 20 minutes the Reds went ahead, another break by Cummins found Sam Bray in close support and the scum-half sped over under the posts for a converted try. The Reds were now on top and some 5 minutes later extended their lead, a line out 10 metres from the line saw the Reds almost go over from a set piece peel move. The ball was recycled, spun out to the right and Blewett was over for his second try in the corner, this time the conversion going wide. A good kick by Bray almost led to another Reds try but the half ended without further scoring.
Half-Time: Penzance and Newlyn 7 - 19 Redruth

The Pirates started the second period as they had the first with an early score. A long kick ahead forced the Reds to concede a penalty and a quick tap saw the home side drive over the line for an unconverted try on 42 minutes. The Reds hit back immediately, a 5 metre lineout was driven over the line with Finn Wolstencroft getting the score, Cummins again converted. Then came the moment all at the game will remember. The Pirates had a line out just beyond the Reds 10 metre line, the Reds managed to tap the ball back and prop Rohan Ewels gathered the loose ball. He was off the mark like an Olympic sprinter coming out of the blocks. The first line of defence was brushed aside and he was in the clear with seemingly the entire Pirates side chasing him down but not gaining any ground. Ewels sped down the pitch and faced with the full-back, slowed down, stepped the last man and went over under the posts to a great roar from all present. The try of the season has just been nailed down before the season has started! The Reds seemed to be pulling away but then came the interceptions. In pre-season mode the Reds tried to run poor ball in their own 22 and were picked off by an alert Pirates player for an unconverted try on 60 minutes. The Reds hit back immediately with a converted catch and drive try by Rob Baragwanath. The Pirates then got their second interception try this time running in from half-way. With time running out the home side put together their best backs move of the match and went over in the corner to make the score 27-40. There was just time for the Reds to hit back with their best backs move of the night from a line out on their own 10 metre. The visitors spread the ball to the left with Noah Clifford joining in from the right wing and making good ground, Ayden Earnshaw was on hand to go over in the corner to cap a very entertaining evening of rugby.

The next game for the Reds 1st XV will be on September 5th when they take on Bournville in the first league game of the new season but before then the 2nd XV host Newquay Hornets next Wednesday with a 7pm kick-off.

Redruth
Tries: Blewett (2), Bray, Wolstencroft, Ewels, Baragwanath, Earnshaw.
Conv: Cummins (5).

Penzance & Newlyn
Tries: (5).
Conv: (1).