Redruth 32, Guernsey 5

Three second half tries in the space of seven minutes sealed a vital bonus point win for Redruth, writes Bill Hooper.

It was the Reds’ first win in the league following five consecutive league defeats and just the tonic needed by all at the club.

A satisfactory start also for Nigel Hambly who was this week appointed Director of Rugby at the club until the end of the season.

Hambly was pleased with the result but stressed that the credit for the win went to the coaching staff of Pale Nonu and Gareth Tedstone along with the players great attitude.

Hambly said: "I’ve just come in to oversee things and cast a fresh pair of eyes over matters. We trained really well this week with great numbers involved; players are keen and looking to be involved in the match day squad.

"To get a win is pleasing, if I have a criticism, it would be conceding that try at the end. I don’t like to give anything away, keeping a clean sheet is important to me."

Redruth welcomed back both Nielson Webber and Brad Howe from injury whilst Mark Grubb returned from suspension and Nonu started in the centre.

Early Redruth pressure was eventually rewarded with fly-half’s Richie Kevern penalty after 10 minutes.

Redruth, notably through Nonu in mid-field, looked to punch their way through the Raiders defence, whilst No. 8 Howe and prop Craig Williams also looked to make ground.

For Guernsey, former Cornish Pirate, Luke Jones looked lively in the centre as did fellow mid-fielder Elia Morisio.

It took a fine break from the Reds just before half-time to increase their lead with a try from scrum-half Rob Coote with Kevern adding a second penalty soon after to leave Redruth 11-0 up at half-time.

Full-back Tom Notman put in a vital tackle on Guernsey’s wing Chris Ahne to deny the islanders early in the second half.

Following a good attack by the backs the Redruth forwards turned up the pressure close to the Guernsey line with Howe being driven over. The Reds then scored two breakaway tries through Coote, following good work from replacement Loma Kivalu, for his second and centre Jack Simmons. All three scores were converted by Kevern as Redruth found themselves suddenly 32-0 up.

Guernsey never gave up scoring a consolation try near the end through full-back Anthony Armstrong after prop Matt Creber was held up over the line.

Redruth: Notman, Janes, Simmons, Nonu, Bonds, Kevern, Coote, Tompsett, Brown (capt), Williams, Hattam, Pascoe, Fox, Grubb, Howe. Reps: Kivalu, Gidlow, Clemson, Simmonds, Webber.

Redruth: Tries - Coote 2, Howe, Simmons. Cons - Kevern 3. Pen - Kevern. Guernsey: Try - Armstrong.