The Reds fielded a team of quite a few newcomers and first time players today, due to injuries still plaguing the start of the season along with other commitments for some of the usual squad.
But, boy, did some of the new lads step up to the mark!
The first 20 minutes of the game saw the Reds mainly camped in the Penryn half, and pushing the Penryn players into deeper and deeper defensive plays. This eventually drew the inevitable penalty from the Penryn squad.
Unfortunately it was a big ask of Josh ,only now playing his first game after his leg injury, to kick the distance required and the Reds brilliant start came away unrewarded. This tweaked Josh’s injury again.
The Reds kept up the momentum in the remainder of the first half with constant attacking moves, but were caught out by a breakaway by the Penryn squad and were not quick enough in switching from attack to defence. This ended the first half with the Reds trailing 7 points to nil.
The start of the second half saw some changes in the back line. Jowan came on to replace Tom H and Josh off the field temporarily due to leg injury.
Penryn came back stronger than the Reds early on in the second half and scored 4 more unconverted tries.
The Reds then lifted their game again and even though Penryn had more possession in the half, the Reds with their continuous pressure, forced handling mistakes from the Penryn side and never allowed them to play flowing rugby.
The last play of the game was by far the best in my opinion and involved the forwards and backs. The Reds forwards won their scrum after another forced error by Penryn and Harry passed the ball out to Harvey who started the attacking run. Harvey then passed the ball out to Aaron, who then passed to Dan. Harvey by now had made a looping run and received the ball from an inside pass from Dan. Harvey then passed to Josh, back on from resting his injured leg. Josh straightened his run to attack the Penryn defensive line, he broke several tackles before off-loading to a fast and attacking run by Jack W who steamed in for a Reds try.
Josh put in a tremendous effort of a kick from the touchline, but the ball turned just to the left of the post denying a conversion.
All in all a fantastic effort by the lads and, as I said on the pitch, I am very proud of each and every one of them today, as not once did their heads drop nor did they ever give up.
Today Gentlemen, believe it or not, the group became a squad.
With the numbers we will have once all are fit and available I am sure we will be a formidable force for any team.
Reds Man of the Match today is Aaron Hampton who played at inside centre. Well done mate!
Keep up the good work lads
Cheers AVE