Redruth 15, Wharfedale 16

Redruth made a disappointing start to their National League 1 campaign with a narrow loss to their visitors from Yorkshire, reports Bill Hooper.

Despite weathering early pressure, Redruth scored the first points of the afternoon with a well-taken try scored by centre Steve Kenward after only 11 minutes following a strong run from No. 8 Mark Bright. Fly-half Aaron Penberthy kicked a fine touchline conversion for a 7-0 lead.

From the re-start Redruth conceded a penalty, which centre Tom Davidson kicked to reduce the arrears.

Further pressure sadly yielded no further points for the Reds during the first half. Instead it was the visitors who troubled the scoreboard with Davidson kicking a second penalty just before half-time.

Penberthy and Hodgson swapped penalties early in the second half, before further Redruth pressure was rewarded with a Bright try after 57 minutes, crucially Penberthy’s conversion sailed wide of the up-rights as did a further penalty effort a short time later.

Wharfedale never gave up, and despite losing their skipper No.8 Dave Baldwin to the sin-bin, the visitors struck a telling blow after 72 minutes as they capitalised on a Redruth lineout error in the Reds’ 22, the ball was quickly moved out to mid-field where centre Andrew Hodgson unpicked the Reds’ defence to score under the posts.

Davidson’s conversion giving the visitors a one point lead they never lost despite further Redruth pressure and goal kicking opportunities that were ultimately spurned.

Redruth 15 pts Tries – Kenward, Bright, Conversion – Penberthy, Penalty- Penberthy.

Wharfedale 16 pts Try – Hodgson, Conversion – Davidson, Penalties- Davidson (3).

Yellow Card – Baldwin (62).

Redruth's next opponents, the Cornish All Blacks, were beaten 26-18 at Rosslyn Park.