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On a beautiful sunny and calm spring day the Reds ended the season in style. A bumper final game crowd including the clubs mini/junior section were well entertained with both teams throwing the ball around in the superb conditions. The Reds ran in 6 tries to come out comfortable victors but Dudley-Kingswinford were no pushovers and played with great spirit and no little skill.

The Reds were led onto the field by skipper Ben Fox who was playing his last home match for the Reds, a popular member of the club, Ben has led from the front and by example, he will be missed on the field but intends to still be involved with the club next season.
A minutes applause was held for former Club Chairman Treve Dunstan who sadly passed away recently after a long, spirited and dignified battle with cancer.

The Reds got the game underway playing towards the Scoreboard end. They were awarded a penalty on the 22 and thinking quickly, scrum half Connor Swan took a quick tap and got behind the DK defence, stopped just short Chris Rovery was on hand to power over the last few metres for a try in the first minute converted by Nat Dart. DK kicked long from the restart and kept the Reds pinned in their own half and were awarded a penalty just outside of the 22 but from almost straight on the kick was missed. The Reds soon got back on the attack and pinched a DK line out, Luke Barnes broke through and looked as though the line was his but a DK hand just got enough of his his shirt to haul him to the ground. A penalty was kicked into the corner and the Reds mauled over the line for an unconverted Ben Fox try. A superb 50 yard break by Rovery took play into the DK half, from the ruck the Reds moved the ball wide but a poor pass saw the ball hit the ground and the chance was lost. A cracking 50:22 kick from DK got them deep into Reds territory but the Reds defended well to prevent the visitors getting on the scoresheet. Redruth worked their way upfield and were awarded a scrum some 10 yards from he line. The ball was moved to the right and Sam James showed immense power to drag a number of defenders over the line with him for the Reds third try converted by Dart. 19-0 to the Reds on 25 mins this were going well. DK hit back quickly though a penalty was put into Hellfire Corner and although the maul was stopped a series of pick-an-goes followed and impressive 2nd row Smith powered over for a try bettered by Harper. A superb break from their own 22 seemed to put the visitors winger in the clear but great scramble defence forced a penalty for crossing. The Reds weren't finished and were all over the visitors line in the remaining minutes but determined defence coupled with a few knock-ons kept their line intact.
Half-Time: Redruth 19 - 7 Dudley Kingswinford

During the break the 2nd team were presented with their league winners trophy in front of an appreciative Terry Pryor Stand and the crowd were treated to the fantastic spectacle of the mini/junior parade around the ground. Hundreds of young boys and girls were warmly applauded by the large crowd.

If with the slope in their favour and a comfortable lead the Reds thought the 2nd period would be plain sailing nobody told the visitors. They came out of the changing rooms fired up. After a number of good plays they broke clean through the middle, the DK player was hauled down just short but they spread the ball wide and Smitheman went over for another unconverted try to make it 19-12, game on.
This stung the Reds into action, Harry Andrewartha claimed the kick-off to get the Reds onto he front foot. A penalty was put into the 22 and although the maul was stopped short the Reds were all over the visitors line once again. This time they made no mistake, spinning the ball wide, some quick accurate passing put Rhys Williams in at the corner for a converted try. Unfortunately he tweaked his hamstring in the process and had to be replaced by Lewis Thomas. By this time the Reds scrum had got well on top and the DK eight were struggling at every put-in. A DK attack was ended near the Reds line by a knock-on leading to a defensive scrum. A powerful Reds scrum allowed Rovery to break away, he fed James who showing pace and power split the DK lines. Into the DK half he sped showing nimble footwork and pace. An exchange of passes with Rob Dempsey got around the scramble defence and James dived over in front of a packed Hellfire Corner for what may well be the try of the season. A successful conversion made it 31-12 on 63 mins and the match was safe. The Reds soon added another, the kick-off went straight out and the resulting scrum ended with a Redruth penalty which was put into the 22. A superb peel move off the back of the lineout saw James power through to near the line, a series of pick and goes was ended with Bailey Williams stretching out a long arm to dot down for a converted try. There was just time for DK to get a consolation score when No.8 Nicholls showed good footwork to go over for a try converted by Jefferson. Shortly before final whistle Ben Fox left the field to a standing ovation from the Reds faithful and also, showing great sportsmanship, applause from the DK players.

The St. Austell Brewery Tribute man of the match went to Reds skipper Ben Fox.

Redruth
Tries: Rovery, James (2), Fox, Williams R, Williams B.
Conv: Dart (4)

Dudley-Kingswinford
Tries: Smith, Smitheham, Nicholls.
Conv: Harper, Jefferson.

Referee: James Milliner
Assistant Referees: Ian Pengelly & Grant Mossford.
Mention must be made here to Grant Mossford who after 22 years service ended his time on the RFU National League panel. Grant specially asked for this match to be his last which is a great complement to the club. Good luck in the future Grant and we hope the head is not too sore this morning!