Barnes 12, Redruth 14

Redruth had to overcome a second-half red card for flanker Mark Grubb before holding on for a narrow win on the banks of the river Thames in London, writes Bill Hooper.

Full-back Aaron Simmonds’ conversion of wing Tom Notman’s 61st minute try proved to be the winning score in this tight encounter.

Redruth head coach Pale Nonu was delighted with his side’s performance, saying: “It was a gritty effort today, the lads showed a lot of character especially when we were down to fourteen men. Having drawn last week and lost the three previous games we needed a good result ahead of taking on the leaders the Rams next Saturday.”

Having travelled up on the morning of the game Redruth made a slow start as they conceded an early try off a Barnes catch-and-drive with No.8 Rupert Crossland getting the plaudits.

The try was bettered by fly-half Josh Hammett with a fine touchline effort.

Redruth responded to this early set-back levelling the game within five minutes as they pinched a Barnes lineout and went through the phases before scrum-half Jack Oulton burst the cover to dot down in the corner. Simmonds added a fine conversion from out wide.

Redruth defended for long periods for the remain of the first half to reach half-time level-pegging.

Barnes again started the half well bagging a second try through centre Matt Cornish, crucially the score went unconverted.

Play was fairly static in mid-field until a stoppage saw the referee and one of his assistants consult which resulted in Grubb being shown a red card on 54 minutes.

The Reds to their credit didn’t let their heads drop, instead they upped their game with Oulton putting in a cross-kick that fell into the arms of the flying Notman who had acres of space to score his side’s second try. Simmonds’ conversion putting them 14-12 up with still nineteen minutes on the clock.

Barnes threw everything they had at Redruth but their defence held out bravely to earn a vital win.

Redruth: Simmonds, Notman, Simmons, Gilbert, Bonds, Kevern, Oulton, Tompsett, Brown (capt), Williams, Heazelton, Hattam, Pascoe, Grubb, Stevens.

Replacements: Gidlow, Kivalu, Hodge, Harper, Nonu.

Redruth - Tries: Oulton, Notman. Cons: Simmonds 2

Red Card: Grubb (54)