It’s a very long way to go only to return with a solitary bonus point but Albanians were just three minutes away from a famous victory. A rueful Chris West should feel very proud of his side who matched a powerful Redruth outfit in all respects.

The warmup claimed Tom Mills as a victim but, even denied his mercurial talents, the backline proved a force to be reckoned with and Head Coach Dan George had nothing but praise for the way his backs handled in a torrid encounter. He was even more effusive in his praise for the defensive activities shown by the entire side probably epitomised by Mike Bond, a hooker turned back row, who took the dark arts of the front row into the loose forward role with spectacular effect.

Nonetheless it was the Home second row pairing which combined for the first score 24 minutes in as Todd Prisk fed Steele Barker who crossed by the posts for Fraser Honey to convert.

There followed an extended period of OA dominance  and Elliott McPhun gauged the distance perfectly when he struck from close in. Dan Watt tied the score. Kyle Bradley tore into Hellfire Corner two minutes later, too far out for Honey’s improvement but McPhun notched his second as the half drew to a close. Watt’s kick gave the visitors a two point half time lead.

Fifteen minutes into the second period serious OA pressure on Redruth possession allowed a smart interception by flyer Alex Ricci. Watt’s conversion took the lead to nine points.

A Honey conversion just past the hour mark narrowed the gap but it wasn’t until three minutes from time that a speculative kick to the corner allowed a Redruth driving maul which gave full back Dean Bonds a simple touch down. Honey’s kick claimed the win but the result was fortunate in many ways.

 

Brian Quinn,

Reporter