If you thought that last week’s match of 71 points and 11 tries was exciting then how about the latest offering of 101 points and 15 tries? The Reds continued the good work of last week with another breathless display that you couldn’t keep you eyes off for a second. After being blown away in the first half Devonport Services came back into the came back strongly in the third quarter playing some great attacking rugby. When they got to within 14 points on 63 minutes, and with the Reds down to 13 men for the next 2 minutes, and then 14 men for a further 8 minutes you could sense the nervousness amongst the Redruth travelling support. They should not have worried though as the Reds added two quick tries to make the game safe.

On a calm day in Plymouth the Redruth faithful travelled in their numbers and everywhere you looked you could see a familiar face. The Rectory offers the best Grandstand in the league and an excellent open terrace which was occupied for the day by the Redruth 2nd XV, resplendent in complete match kit, who had come for a day out by train.

Services kicked off but the Reds were on the scoreboard quickly. A lineout maul on the 22 made ground, Sam James punched a big hole and Tom Cowan-Dickie did the rest. Joe Cummins converted and he was to convert 9 out of 10 on the day. The reds were 7 up after only 4 minutes. Only a few minutes later, from a lineout on the home 10-metre line, scrum half Sam Bray cut through a gap and sped away towards the line. The fullback was stepped and he was over for a superb individual try. Services though showed a sign of their resilience that was to follow, a grubber into the 22 drew a penalty and they opted to tap. A few drives later and former Redruth player Jake Bond was over for a converted try on 12 minutes. The Reds forwards were on top and providing the backs with a constant supply of good ball as they regularly destroyed the home scrum and harassed their lineout. From a scrum on half-way the Reds backs cut through and Jack Simmons broke away making light work of the last defender to go over under the posts to stretch the lead to 14 points once more.
Services were striving hard to hit back but the Redruth defence was strong and the home side were racking up the penalties. After 23 minutes Crawford was shown the yellow card for yet another penalty offence. They were made to pay immediately as the Reds pack shoved them over the line from a 5-metre scrum, Finn Wolstencroft getting the touchdown. The Reds were now on fire and some great play almost ended in a superb try but Mawgan Osborne was held-up over the line. Soon after though the Reds added another with Noah Clifford running strongly for the score. A couple of lost lineouts in the 22 prevented the Reds from adding to their tally but another lineout in the 22 brought a try to end the half. After the maul was stopped short, a few pick-an-goes drew in the defence and Sam Bray darted over for his second.
Half-time: Devonport Services 7 – 40 Redruth

If the first 40 was dominated by the visitors the second 40 was a much move even affair with both sides scoring 4 tries. Services came out with a plan to avoid set-pieces and to run the ball with every opportunity, probably unwisely the Reds tried to join in which led to a pulsating second half with defences defiantly coming off second best. A superb kick return from their own half brought the home side a try on 52 minutes for Gliddon. A team yellow card to Jack Counter soon followed and Gliddon added his second try following a flowing move, the conversion unlucky striking the post. The Reds got back on the attack and looked likely to score but lost the ball and Devonport kicked downfield, the ball going from 22 to 22 to set up a great attacking position. They never let the Reds escape and a certain try was prevented when Luke Johnson just failed to catch an interception. He was quite correctly shown the yellow-card and the referee went under the posts for a Penalty try. Only 14 points the difference now, gulp! The Reds were looking to see out the yellow-card period in the visitor’s half but a not straight lineout gifted the home side the ball. They almost took full advantage and were soon all over the Reds in their 22. A try looked certain but suddenly Finn Love (on debut) intercepted. He showed the home side a clean pair of heels to sprint almost the entire length of the field, much to the relief of the Redruth support. The lead was soon extended, two huge scrums in the 22 ended with the second of these going over the line, Rob Baragwanath continuing his try scoring start in a Red shirt. 26-61 with only minutes left. Just when supporters of both sides were thinking about the after-match pint the two sides kept them glued to the action as they added a try apiece to end the match in a thrilling manner.

Thank you, Devonport, for being such generous hosts and we look forward to doing battle again just before Christmas. Next Saturday the Reds are back at home when they tackle a second Devon side, this time one from the North, Barnstaple. Kick-off is at 3pm, don’t miss this one and why not enjoy a superb per-match meal at the club from the excellent Salt Wind Catering.

Devonport Services
Tries: Bond, Gliddon (2), White, Penalty.
Conv: Brown (3)
Yellow Card: Crawford.

Redruth
Tries: Cowan Dickie, S Bray (2), Simmons, Wolstencroft, Clifford, Baragwanath (2), Love, Cummins
Conv: Cummins (9).
Yellow Card: Counter, Johnson.

Referee: Spencer Pearce.
Assistant Referees: Rob Lowe & Andy Bickle