Those responsible for drawing up the fixture lists have decided it is a great idea for Redruth to make a 650 mile return trip to Cheshire in mid winter as the 1st XV start the second half of the season with the long haul to face Lymm.

In fairness Lymm were probably not overjoyed about being unceremoniously transferred out of National League Two North and having to make the reverse trip to Redruth back in September. On that occasion the Reds forwards dominated the first half taking advantage of wet and windy conditions that made back play almost impossible. However, the weather eased after the break and Lymm fought their way back into the match, eventually losing 26-22.

The Reds travel following their Boxing Day triumph over Camborne, the 75th time that Redruth have won this encounter, compared with the 26 wins for the Cherry & Whites. My Facebook timeline was full of Camborne supporters saying the game was irrelevant, an attitude that would have been different if they had won. Now the aim is to get away from the bottom but of the league table.

Lymm are currently in 8th place after a 44-29 defeat away to local rivals Chester. Last season they finished third in National League Two North so, by their standards, their performance has suffered since their transfer. However, while they have not had a great time on the road, having lost six of their eight away games, they have a pretty formidable home record losing just one game this season at Crouchley Lane, a 12 try thriller against Cinderford on 13 December.

Anyone brave enough to make the trip north this coming Saturday will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the Lymm clubhouse, a former stable block that was part of a grand country house. Perhaps there will be a butler

Kick off is a 2pm

Referee: Owen Taylor. Assistant Referees: Adam Carpenter- Leo  Burton.

Team news here on Friday