Redruth drop in form continues (From Falmouth Packet)

Redruth drop in form continues

9:57am Thursday 4th February 2010

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Redruth’s drop off in form continues with a highly disappointing defeat at home to the Wharfedale by five tries to one on a cold, clear afternoon at the Recreation ground.

The visitors from the Yorkshire Dales played some good rugby and were worthy winners, but they were rarely troubled by a Redruth side looking short of unity and purpose.

A smaller than usual crowd were shocked to near silence at times by a catalogue of mistakes by the men in Red. Two examples in the second half left loyal supporters shaking their heads.

First following a triple substitution early in the second half, Redruth briefly had 16 players on the field during play with confusion as to which forwards were coming off.

Secondly, admittedly with the game lost Redruth tried an adventurous handling move deep in their own half,. The passing was not swift enough to trouble the Dale defence and when the ball went to ground, the Reds were too slow to react to the breakdown as Latu Makaafi strolled over in hellfire corner for the visitors fifth try.

It was not all bad news for the Reds, Chris Fuca led the team out to mark his 100th appearance, a former colts captain, Cornwall flanker Fuca represents the current generation of players with his loyalty and commitment to the Red shirt.

Equally teenager Aaron Penberthy, son of David represents the future, the fly-half a member of the South West Academy put the Reds ahead with well-struck penalty and drop goals in the opening 10 minutes, he will have gained much from his first start in National league rugby. Wharfedale have long been renowned for having a good back line Mark Bedworth and Chris Malherbe are amongst the best players in the league. Luke Gray went over for a try after 17 minutes and two more tries followed through Iain Dixon and James Ticknell as the visitors took charge of the game in the next 10 minutes.

With Mark Bright and Lewis Vinnicombe sent to the sin bin for foul play Redruth looked to be short of discipline. Trailing 3-19 at the break, Redruth knew the first score in the second half was crucial.

The Reds held out for a while but a well-taken drop goal from Gray put the result beyond doubt. Redruth rallied in the closing stages, Bright took a short pass from Mark Richards to crash over for a try seven minutes from time, that Penberthy converted.

This weekend Redruth are away to Sedgley Park on Saturday and Manchester on Sunday. The next game at the Recreation Ground is on February 20 when Cinderford will be the visitors.

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