Guernsey Raiders 15, Redruth 16

Following their heavy defeat at Worthing Raiders the previous week, Redruth bounced back in the Channel Islands to earn another four points by the skin-of-their-teeth, writes Bill Hooper.

Having made the long trip the Reds found typical autumnal Cornish conditions greeting them with a howling wind and driving rain under the floodlights at Footes Lane.

Redruth played into the elements in the first-half with the game, as expected, turning into a forward battle.

There was no score during the opening quarter as both sides slugged it out, however the home side eventually got the opening points with an unconverted try after half an hour touched down by lock Lewis Hillier.

Redruth then found themselves down to fourteen men as prop Craig Williams was sent to the bin. Raiders’ full-back Alex Gow extended his side’s lead to 8-0 with a penalty as the break approached.

Crucially for the Reds, they pulled back a penalty on the stoke of half-time thanks to full-back Aaron Simmonds’ well-judged kick in the difficult conditions.

With the wind at their backs Redruth looked to dominate the second half, they got off to a good start with a try from No.8 Ben Fox, converted by fly-half Richie Kevern to get their noses ahead on the scoreboard.

As the half wore on Guernsey found themselves being penalised allowing Simmonds to kick two further penalties extending Redruth’s advantage to 16-8 and cap a fine individual performance.

Guernsey threw everything at their visitors in the closing moments and were eventually rewarded with a second try scored by their other lock, Nick Merrien, centre Luke Sayer adding the extras to set up a tense finish.

Redruth held on to see out time and grab a much needed morale boosting win following last week’s defeat.

Redruth’s coaching staff will now turn their attention to this Saturday’s home game against Clifton. The Bristol based side enjoyed a fine home win against Worthing 37-15 and will travel to the Rec with confidence.

Guernsey: A Gow, D Martin, C Ahne, J Batiste, L Sayer, E Morisio, O Clemett; S Steventon, T Ceillam, C Currie, L Hillier, N Merrien, D Horrocks, D Rice, M Thomas.

Replacements: L Batiste, G Shannon, M Creber, T Quate, N Alexandre.

Guernsey scores: Tries, Hillier, Merrien, Con Sayer, Pen, Gow

Redruth : A Simmonds, B Janes, J Simmons, C Gilbert, S Cornish, R Kevern, J Oulton; J Tompsett, R Brown (Capt), C Williams, L Hattam J Clemson, M Grubb, S Stevens, B Fox.

Replacements: L Barnes, J Hodge, T Prisk, J Tucker, T Notman.

Redruth scores: Try, Fox, Con, Kevern, Pens, Simmonds (3)

Referee: Luke Davies (RFU)

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