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Saturday, 04 April 2009 15:48 |
What a day, in support of "Help for Heroes", victory was ours once again by the narrowest of margins. The winning sequence stretched to a club record 13 league games.
It began in Redruth on the 29th November, our opponents again scoring 18 points. Cambridge won with two second half memorable kicks on that day to ease in front by just one point. It was astute kicking once again yesterday, that made the difference, Ben Patston matching his opponents efforts after half time with two penalties in two minutes. By far the biggest "gate" of the season, Redruth supporters in large numbers and their players could only have been impressed by the "Colour Saturday" superbly organised by CRUFC Mini & Youth.
There is something about this fixture that attracts incident. Last season a dressing room farce and an abandoned game. This season a colour clash, appropriate given the theme for the day, both sides implacable in the choice of Black. Redruth won that one comfortably with the regulations clearly on their side. Like boxers strutting as they enter the ring or peacocks, the posturing continued as Redruth ignored the warming up arrangements and occupied the main pitch. It took the Royal Anglian Regiment's marching pipes and drums to help corral the visitors into a tight corner of the field.
Round 1 most certainly went to Cambridge, as Luke Fielden rounded off an impressive opening with his 20th try of the season. Just 3 minutes gone and Redruth looked shellshocked. They are no mean side. Use to winning and well managed by the Hambly/Penberthy combination. Such a start must have been a shock to the system as they came back strongly once possession came their way. As the first quarter closed Redruth crossed twice, their first from winger Lewis Vinnicombe, their second full back and almost namesake Emyr Lewis. An emphatic double Lewis whammy as both tries came from swift movement and clean breaks. One conversion kicked by Brett Rule gave the visitors a clear lead of 7 points and a chance to use the slight wind advantage to build up a solid lead by half time. It was not to be. As in many games this season the second quarter belonged to a dominant, rampaging Cambridge. Penetrative field kicking from Craig Evans, returned Cambridge again and again into the Redruth half. Under pressure, the Cornish defensive line broke on the far right then on the left. Darren Fox drove over to score the first. Five minutes later Stefan Liebenberg fed Chris Lombaard from a tap penalty. Both tries were executed ruthlessly before Redruth could reorganise their defence.
Forty minutes of end to end running rugby. A few injury stoppages but only 22 set pieces (7 penalties) as referee Andrew Taylorson took firm charge of the fighting cocks. No one could have been disappointed by the show.
Half Time Cambridge 15 Redruth 12.
So far so good. Chasing the 4 try bonus point was the Cambridge first task as they started the second half. Not as difficult a task perhaps as winning the game but needed as in closing the gap on leaders Bees, every league point was essential. But Redruth were the first to add points, with a penalty 12 minutes into the half. Level now on 15 points. Was this to be an honourable drawn game? No further tries to enjoy, just the nail biting tension of cut and thrust as defence became the sole purpose of both sides. Trench warfare was the pattern of play, in spite of the perfect pitch and warm sunshine. Two penalties to "Patso" and Redruth added a second in the 74th minute for the last score of the game. They might have drawn level once again as a late effort went wide of the right hand post. Relief and acknowledgement from the Redruth technical team that our victory was deserved but rugby the winner on the day.
That was the last home game of season 2008/2009. However there are 4 difficult away games in 4 weeks to prepare for and win. Blaydon over the Easter weekend followed by Blackheath, Stourbridge and for the climax on the 2nd of May, Birmingham Bees in Solihull. 88 points so far could conceivably rise to well over 100 after 26 games. However Bees could come into the final contest with 110 points, afford to lose against us and still win promotion. Their challenges are away to Tynedale and home to Redruth. Our future prospects are therefore now in the hands of others, not forgetting the RFU who could still move the goal posts yet again. Whatever Redruth will always be welcome back to WRP. Hopefully next time the demands on hot dogs and beer will be matched by the supplies. Catering for 1500 is something out of the ordinary even for us!
Mal Schofield
Photos are here |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 05 April 2009 18:53 |
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