Redruth V Coventry Rugby. Preview and Results Roundup

This Saturday 26th February, kick off  2.30pm  sees Coventry make their longest journey   of the season to meet Redruth at The Recreation Ground. The teams last met in the league structure in season 1993/4 in the old Division 3, with Coventry doing the double, including the away win 19-3.

Redruth were founded in 1875, one year after Coventry, and until the advent of the Cornish Pirates, were arguably the premier side in Cornwall.

Last season Redruth finished 11^th just surviving relegation. Currently they are in 14^th position in the relegation zone, having to retrench following the RFU’s reduction in funds for this level.

A reorganisation has seen Chairman David  Penberthy also take on the role of Director of Rugby, assisted by coaches Craig Bonds and Tony Cook.

Redruth have largely maintained their squad from last year, helped by their Colts coming through, and a working relationship with Exeter Chiefs Academy, which has allowed some extra players in.

Redruth still have a formidable pack, especially at home, where Hellfire Corner used to send a shiver through visiting teams.

Players to watch for are goal kicking no 10 Aaron Penberthy from Exeter Academy, and talismanic no 8 and leading try scorer Mark Bright, with over 100 appearances to his name. The backs also contain winger Lewis Vinnicombe, centre Paul Thirlby and fullback Jack Nowell. 

It has to be said that Redruth made a poor start to the season losing their first 4 games. So far they have won 7 and lost 12 games with 1 drawn. However they have lost some close games at home including a narrow 21-15 to league favourites London Scottish, and are so far the only team to have stopped league leaders Barking from having a 100% record, earning a creditable draw 20 points each at home. Three weeks ago they caused the surprise of the round by beating Macclesfield away, and since then have picked up a home win over Otley and a losing bonus point away to Tynedale.

Coventry will be buoyed by their home victory over Blaydon, but need to get back to winning away from home, whilst Redruth will be endeavouring to climb out of the relegation zone.

PREVIEW MATCHES 26^th FEBRUARY

Fixtures              Blackheath           v      Launceston

                        London Scottish   v     Wharfedale

                        Otley                     v     Macclesfield

                        Redruth                 v     Coventry

                        Rosslyn Park         v     Blaydon

                        Sedgley Park         v     Barking

                        Stourbridge            v     Cinderford  

                        Tynedale                v     Cambridge

Another full fixture list this Saturday, and after week’s lack of surprises perhaps the same again this week. With the 4 leading sides seemingly having another easy run of fixtures, it looks once again that this will put pressure on up to 9 teams determined to keep out of the bottom 3 or move out.

At the top of the league, London Scottish are expected to get another bonus point win over Wharfedale, which would take them above a stuttering Barking, if once again they are unable to get a bonus point win.

Otley in 15^th place face a home game with resurgent Macclesfield, a defeat would leave them deep in relegation trouble.

All the other ties are too close to call, which will make it a heart  stopping  5pm next Saturday.

WEEKEND RESULTS 19^th FEBRUARY

Barking              13                 3      Otley

Cambridge          24               15     Launceston

Cinderford          18               17     Blackheath

Coventry             23               10     Blaydon

Macclesfield       53               12    Wharfedale

Sedgley Park        5                41    London Scottish

Stourbridge         27               22    Rosslyn Park

Tynedale             31               26    Redruth

Most games were played in atrocious conditions, which impacted on some of the scores. At the top of the league Barking struggled to beat lowly Otley, and their inability to get a bonus point left London Scottish on the same points as them, but 2^nd on number of wins.

Perhaps Cinderford had the best result by beating Blackheath, which takes them out of the relegation zone.

However it is too close to call at the bottom for the final relegation spot, with just 2 wins separating 8^th from 14^th place. Coventry’s win took them up to 9^th place, just 2 wins from Blackheath in 6^th position, once again emphasising how close it is in this league.

Coventry Rugby press office