NIGEL Hambly admits this weekend's double header is a 'massive ask' of his players, but the Redruth head coach is confident they can deal with the physical challenge and bring to an end their recent run of poor form.

The Reds head up to Lancashire tomorrow ahead of Saturday's rearranged fixture against Sedgley Park, and 24 hours later they face National League One whipping boys Manchester.

Redruth received special permission from the RFU and Manchester to play a second game on Sunday. That was arranged after the Reds' game at Sedgley Park in December was postponed an hour before kick-off, meaning a wasted trip for the club and its supporters, and a substantial loss in revenue, estimated to be £3,000.

But those fans who will be making the 340 plus mile trip to the north west this weekend have two games to look forward to. Redruth face their toughest fixture on Saturday against a Sedgley Park side fresh from Tuesday night's 44-18 win over Otley.

Hambly will then assess the condition of his squad for their second game against bottom-of-the-table Manchester, who have lost all 18 games this season.

The head coach has revealed that he will name his strongest possible line-ups for both games as the Reds look to bring to an end their recent poor form.

"It is a massive ask of the players this weekend, but I'm pretty confident they can deal with it," said Hambly.

"Hopefully we are prepared for the physical and mental challenge.

"The players know we're in a bit of a rut right now and this is a good opportunity to put things right."

The Reds have lost three of their last four league outings, culminating in Saturday's 34-13 defeat at home to Wharfedale (report page 125).

"We were dreadful against Wharfedale, but at the moment we just don't seem to be getting the rub of the green," said Hambly.

One of the few positives to emerge from the game, though, was the debut of 17-year-old Aaron Penberthy, son of Reds' director of rugby David.

"He played reasonably well, he's only 17 and learning all the time," said Hambly.

"He kicked well from hand and got us in some good positions.

"He got the man of the match award and deservedly so, and he'll probably be in the mix this weekend."

Adryan Winnan travels with the squad and the former Cornish Pirates' skipper is likely to feature against Manchester.

Winnan has not played since October after suffering a knee injury on his Reds' debut against Wharfedale.