A desperate scrabble for league places meant this could have been a dour encounter but both teams contributed to an entertaining clash in the mud of Scotland Road. At the end it was the speed of the Old Redcliffian backs which gained five valuable points for the home side, leaving Redruth to travel home with just two as consolation for their considerable efforts.

On a cold, damp day it was Redruth who got out of the blocks the quickest with a Sam James try in the corner just three minutes into the game, Dean Wills's conversion attempt from a difficult angle hitting the posts. Old Redcliffians were quick to reply just four minutes later as a well-worked move saw Ollie Stratton, who has been something of a try scoring machine this season, cross the line with Ashley Groves adding the extras.

Redruth lost No 8 Luke Ratcliffe to a yellow card just two minutes later, an offence that no one except the referee seemed to have seen, and the home side took advantage to pile on the pressure. After good running from the Old Redcliffian backs, Hayden Barnes went over for a try converted by Ashley Groves.

With Ratcliffe back on the field for Redruth it was the visitors who took the initiative and Dean Wills scored a fine try after 22 minutes and then made no mistake with the kick to put Redruth just two points adrift. However Old Redcliffians again pounded the Redruth line and a second try by Hayden Barnes, which remained unconverted, ended the first 40 minutes.

H/T Old Redcliffians 19-12 Redruth

Hopes that the Reds would be able to stay in touch in the second half were quickly dashed when the Renico Bailey ran in a try just two minutes after the break. Ashley Groves missed the conversion. Just five minutes later Old Redcliffians came again and it was Harrison Murphy, after some more fine passing among the backs, who added another for Old Redcliffians. This time the conversion was good and Redruth were 31-12 adrift.

This turned out to be the last score for the home side as fine Redruth defence frustrated the Old Redcliffian backs at one end while powerful forward play pushed them close to the Old Reds line on a number of occasions but they were unable to turn possession into points. It was not until the 52nd minute that a powerful forward drive took Redruth over the home line and Tom Cowan-Dickie dropped on the ball for a try. Dean Wills made a fine conversion from the touchline to drag Redruth back into the game.

Redruth threw everything into the final quarter, defending fiercely as their own line was threatened, then taking play up to the other end of the pitch in a bid to close the gap. With Old Redcliffians down to 14 men, following a yellow card for a tip-tackle, Redruth sensed their chance. But it was not until the 76th minute that their efforts paid off when Sam Bray crossed for a try, but the conversion was missed.

Redruth tried everything in the dying minutes but the home defence held firm until the referees whistle went to end the game.

Full time. Old Redcliffians 31-24 Redruth.

Redruth had the consolation of two bonus points which keeps them in 10th place but knowing that a descisive win over Exeter University under the lights next Friday, is desperately needed.