at the Recreation Ground
Redruth ran in five second-half tries to extinguish any threat from visitors Clifton of causing a pre-Christmas upset prior to next Saturday's festive Cornish derby at Launceston.
Despite leading 7-3 at half-time, Redruth were very much under the cosh for long periods of the first half. The visitors had three very good try-scoring chances in the opening period but failed to take them.
A few choice words in the dressing room and a little tinkering with the backline saw a fired up Redruth take control in the second half.
Despite making hard work of the win, Redruth director of rugby Adrian Edwards was satisfied with the result that keeps Reds near the top of the table.
"We made a few changes for today with Dan Job starting in the front row, Ashley Hosking at fly-half, but these are calls that we need to make," he said.
"The players need game time as you never know when they will have to step in due to injuries or suspensions; on the whole I feel the players who came in did quite well.
"It's a difficult week as people's minds perhaps start to think towards next Saturday's game at Launceston. Having got this game out of the way we can now properly focus on next Saturday and what will be a tough challenge up there.
"Launceston won't be lacking for motivation playing us so hopefully it's going to be another of those great Cornish rugby occasions."
From the kick-off it was Clifton who dominated with their backline causing the Reds a few headaches. Full-back Will Pomphrey looked very dangerous when in the line.
Despite their domination all the visitors had to show for their efforts was a penalty kicked by Bradley Barnes, whilst gilt-edged try scoring opportunities were spurned.
Redruth gradually got the upper hand through their forwards, with both locks Damien Cook and Chris Bailey excelling in the loose. They took the lead when electing to scrum a penalty near the Clifton line, the forward drive shoved the visiting pack over the whitewash, presenting Tom Duncan with a simple try, Ashley Hosking added the extras. Despite other more chances the score remained 7-3 to Redruth at half-time.
Redruth shuffled their backline at the break, introducing Murray Westren at full-back. He made an immediate impact, setting up Tom Notman for Redruth's second try. The flying wing slipping two attempted tackles on the way to scoring.
Despite missing the conversion Hosking kicked a penalty to further stretch Redruth's advantage.
Clifton, shaken by Redruth's strong start to the second period, looked to play their way back in to it. A period of pressure in the Reds' 22 saw home prop Craig Williams yellow carded.
The visitors took advantage to score an unconverted try from a catch-and-drive through skipper John Levis.
In the final quarter the Reds upped the tempo, a fine break from scrum-half Greg Goodfellow – a constant threat at the base of the scrum – set up hooker Richard Brown for a try, Paul Thirlby on for Hosking adding the conversion.
Despite a second penalty kicked by Barnes for Clifton, it was Redruth who ran riot in the closing stages.
Prop Darren Jacques claimed the bonus-point try after being driven over by his pack. Luke Collins claimed the fifth try as he powered over impressively in the scoreboard corner.
Finally centre Frazer Kellythorn finished off some good work from Craig Bonds and Duncan to claim the final try, to which Thirlby added the conversion with the final kick of the game. Redruth should travel to Polson Bridge for next Saturday's Cornish derby in good heart.
