Dings Crusaders 8, Redruth 37

Win number five on the road for Redruth this season sees them consolidate their fourth place and edge a little closer to Taunton in third, writes Bill Hooper.

Those facts will not interest Director of Rugby Nigel Hambly, instead his attention turns to the next game, and what a game that will be at the Recreation Ground this Saturday when leaders Henley Hawks will have their credentials tested by in-form Redruth.

He said after the game: “We weathered the storm a bit early on and took our chances when they came, we were very clinical today so I am pleased with that. We are improving bit by bit and we’ll see where it takes us.”

There was a welcome return to the match day squad for Brad Howe, the No.8 having been absent for several weeks due to concussion taking his place on the bench.

With skipper Ben Fox unavailable for this game, Patrick Ryan, on loan from the Cornish Pirates, made his debut for the Reds at No.8.

Redruth found themselves under early pressure but the Red line held.

The opening score didn’t come until the 26th minute and it went to Redruth, following a scrum a good break from full-back Matt Shepherd set up wing Brad Janes for a try that was converted by fly-half Fraser Honey.

Honey was on the money shortly after with a penalty kick from some 40 meters.

Dings came back into it before half-time with an unconverted try from centre Matt Smith.

Honey and Luke Arscott for the hosts swapped penalties early in the second half before Redruth pulled away on the scoreboard when they scored two tries in the space of five minutes.

Ever alert centre Connor Gilbert made the most of a Dings error to score a fine try bettered by Honey. Then it was Shepherd’s turn to show his skill going over for an unconverted try.

Howe came off the bench to make his 100th appearance for Redruth. Centre Jack Simmons bagged the bonus point with yet another conversion from Honey.

Redruth weren’t finished as scrum-half Jack Oulton wrapped up the result with a fifth try to send the Reds travelling faithful into raptures.

Redruth: Shepherd, Janes, Simmons, Gilbert, Bonds, Honey, Oulton; Tompsett, Brown, Williams, T Prisk, Romaine, Pascoe, Grubb, Ryan. Reps: Phillips, Barnes, J Prisk, Howe, Simmonds.

Redruth scores: Tries: Janes, Gilbert, Shepherd, Simmons, Oulton; Cons: Honey 3; Pen: Honey 2.