A strong last quarter backed up by a hat-trick from Jack Counter saw to Reds to a bonus point win in their first visit to Syston in north east Leicester.

The final scoreline possibly flattered the Reds, the home side who played some adventurous rugby pushed them all the way, only a score from Skipper Tyler Gendall in the 7th minute of stoppage time secured the win.
With Dan Goldsmith in the sin bin the home supporters were sensing a win at this level as they led 24 – 21 going into the final ten minutes. Counters third try well converted from wide out by Ethan Morgan gave the Reds a four point advantage as their forwards found an extra gear in the closing stages.
Two debutants in the red shirt can be pleased with their contribution, 18 year old Sam Bray a former mini junior was composed and grew into the game while second half replacement Jack Statton on loan from Plymouth Albion, impressed in midfield getting a try at a crucial time.

In good conditions on a dry overcast day the pattern of the match was set early on when the Reds pack drove the home eight backwards at the first scrum while Syston. countered moving the ball wide at every opportunity.

Redruth turned down an early chance to go for the posts and it was not until the 26th minute that the scoreboard started moving. Redruth were close to the line when a knock on was grabbed by scrum half Adam Riley who went the length of the field for a try at the posts.

Four minutes later Counter picked up a loose ball on half way and beat his man to run in a try, crucially getting in field for Dean Wills to convert and level the scores.

Syston edged head after 35 minutes with a penalty from Finlay Nockles before some good play from Jack Simmons opened up the home side and Counter just made it to the line wide out on the right, Wills conversion saw the Reds take a rather fortunate four point advantage into the break.

The see saw nature of the game continued throught the second half, Syston were growing in confidence and a 47th minute try by Jack Evans converted by Nockles put them back in front.

As the game went into the final quarter following great play from the Reds pack, Statton showed determination and drive to cross near the posts for a converted score.

Syston had a yellow card for a no arms charge on Counter, but soon after Goldsmith saw yellow for an offence at a ruck and Nockles went over for a try which he converted to leave the game on a knife edge with 14 minutes to go.

Credit to Redruth who had to dig deep but found the spirit to grab the game in the closing stages, while the hosts will feel unfortunate not to have taken a bonus point from a lively well contested game.

Next Saturday the Reds are back at home when they take on Old Redcliffians with a 3pm kick-off.

Syston
Tries: Riley, Evans J., Nockles.
Conv: Nockles (3).
Pen: Nockles.
Yellow Card: James E.

Redruth
Tries: Counter (3), Statton, Gendall.
Conv: Wills (4), Morgan.
Yellow Card: Goldsmith.

Referee: Nathan Howarth.
Assistant Referees: Jon Petzing & Adrian Holmes.