Match Report for 1st Team

Saturday 19 September 2009
Redruth 17 vs Esher 23

Esher make it 3 from 3

Despite still seeking that elusive first win of the season Redruth will have taken much out of this fine performance against the League’s favourites and pacesetters. In their first two outings the Surrey visitors have piled up an amazing 210 points, scoring thirty-one tries, but a spirited display from the Reds ensured that they did not have things all their own way in this tough encounter.

The home side had the better of the first ten minutes and much of the second half but an outstanding thirty minutes of exhilarating running rugby in the first half resulted in twenty- two points coming from two converted tries and two penalties which was enough to secure Esher’s third win in a row.

Redruth pressed hard from the outset with Vinnicombe looking keen to make an early impact. Appearing on the left, the right winger brought the crowd to their feet as he raced over for a well taken try in the fifth minute.

The pacy, powerful Esher side were stung into action driving number eight Shawn Renwick over from a lineout to touch down, Samual Ulph adding the extras. Ulph was soon on the board again with a penalty and was much to the fore as the Esher backs ran some splendid angles, often putting men into space. A further Esher score seemed inevitable. It came when Rod Turner nipped through a gap in the defence for a try, Ulph converting. Ulph had the final word of the half with a well struck penalty.

The second half was a different story as the Reds showed their character and spirit and gave the partisan crowd much to cheer. Centre Neil Taylor’s drop goal was to be the only Esher score. Redruth, dug deep, putting together some fine moves of their own. the Esher defence was broken and this set up a simple try for Craig Bonds under the posts which Brett Rule converted.

In the final quarter Esher were on the back foot, going down to thirteen men with Turner and Jo Marler in the sin bin. With just a few minutes to go Brett Stroud was driven over. Despite continued pressure there was no more scoring leaving Esher the more relieved to hear Mr Tutty’s final whistle.

Referee: Mr M. Tutty