Redruth 33pts Old Albanian 15pts

Albanian generosity at times in this match was nothing short of profligate and this was all the more frustrating since there were plenty of examples where the visitors proved more than adept at breaching the defensive wall in front of them. However, to take advantage of attacking prowess is only possible if the offensive team maintains possession with precision and patience and this Albanians singularly failed to do.

Thus OA played catchup from start to finish when sometimes it would have been easier to take the lead and put all the pressure on industrious opponents.

Five penalties were conceded in the first quarter hour alone and Aaron Simmonds was able to convert two of these up the hill with the aid of a commanding breeze which blew from ‘Hellfire Corner’ throughout the day.

Then Dan Watt began the move which showed what was possible when he drew the defence in his own 22 and Matt Deane raced in from better than halfway. The skipper’s near impossible conversion was only just wide.

Richard Brown replied for the hosts with a catch and drive and Simmonds took care of the improvement. This score was equalled when Albanians kicked for the corner and Charlie Watson broke the defensive shackles, Watt converting expertly. A single point separated the sides at the break and OAs were looking forward to using the uphill gale for the rest of the encounter.

However it was Redruth No8 Dean Bonds who opened the gap again for an unconverted try six minutes into the second period and though much of the play in the next quarter took place in home territory Watt’s penalty was the only reward for Albanian efforts. Two scoring chances were squandered as the game wound down and Redruth drew inexorably away.

Jake Clemson opened the margin to eight points before Neilson Webber and Rob Coote made the last five minutes eminently forgettable for Dan Watt’s men.

Six matches remain in this year’s season and Clifton visit Woollams next Saturday. They have a similar playing record to Albanians and both sides will want to push for a higher league place. It should be a tight game. Kickoff 15.00hrs.

Brian Quinn,

Press & Publicity