When the Reds equalised late in the game and with the visitors down to 14 men it looked like the home side may go on to victory. Cully though showed why they are top of the table. Forcing the Reds into errors in their own 22, they piled on the pressure and battled their way over the line to take the spoils.

On a beautiful bright day with a touch of Autumn in the air the Reds kicked off playing towards Hellfire Corner, a gentle breeze blowing on their back. Cully knocked-on the kick off to gift the Reds a scrum in the 22. From the base the Reds broke down the narrow side and seemed certain to score but the pass wasn't given, they did however retain possession and win a penalty. The kick went to the corner and the Reds mauled over the line for a Jarrod Hambly try in Piggy Lane Corner.

The visitors now got their hands on the ball and looked dangerous but the Reds were able to keep them in check. The Reds scrum, which included the returning Jess Tompsett, was looking strong applying consistent pressure to the visiting eight. The Reds pressured Cully into conceding a 5 metre line out but just as the maul seemed to be going over again the visitors were able to strip away possession right on the line to clear. The Reds kept up the pressure and another 5 metre penalty was tapped but the visitors were able to hold the ball up over the line to again save the day. After this initial period of Redruth pressure came a period of play in the midfield, neither team being able to threaten their opponents line. The visitors back three were looking threatening every time they had space and a great run by right wing Zac May caught the eye. A superb touch finder from a penalty on half-way gave the visitors a line out near the Reds line. They did not let the chance go, and after a number of pick-an-goes were over for a try by Sam Cooke. The visitors now had their tails up but good defending by the Reds prevented a further score and it was honours even at the break.
Half-Time: Redruth 5 - 5 Cullompton

The second period had only just begun when Cully went ahead. From a scrum in the 22 they advanced with a succession of forward drives to go over the line for another Sam Cooke try, this time converted by Josh Luxon. It looked ominous for the Reds at this point with Cully looking good with ball in hand but a combination of a lack of discipline and the power of the Redruth scrum kept the home side in the game. The play went from end to end with neither side gaining dominance. Finally after a succession of penalties a Cully player was shown the yellow card. The Reds looked to take advantage and after a few 5 metre scrums were stopped illegally another Cully player went to the bin. Despite firm defence from the visitors the Reds were eventually able to take advantage of their superior numbers and Jess Tompsett forced his way over the line. On debut teenager Sam Holsey stroked over a superb conversion to tie the scores.

Cully now hit back with a lineout in the Reds 22, they marched forward but the Reds had got their hands on the ball to win the scrum. The Reds though did not clear their lines and the visitors remined in the 22. After a number of drives near the line went they over for a try by Will Machin to take the lead with only 5 minutes left on the clock. The home side weren't finished and a promising looking attack was only stopped by a high tackle that led to another Cully yellow card. A great Lewis Wills touch finder from half-way went to 10 metres but unfortunately the line out did not go to a red hand and the last chance was lost.

The Reds will be disappointed to have lost this encounter but they were up a against a good side, that coupled with, the number of players in the backs playing out of position has to go down as a spirited performance that bodes well for the season ahead. The scramble defence and the willingness to battle for each other was evident throughout.
Next Saturday the seconds are on the road making the short trip to the seaside to take on St.Ives, please try to give them your support.

The Redruth man-of-the-match selected by Keith from K.W.Autos was Luke Young.

Redruth
Tries: Hambly, Tompsett.
Conv: Holsey.

Cullompton
Tries: Cooke (2), Machin.
Conv: Luxon.
Yellow Cards: (3).

Referee: Ben Sanders-Crook.