CORNISH All Blacks will be eager to enter the Christmas period in style by maintaining their proud home record over arch rivals Redruth in National Two South tomorrow (2.30pm).
The Reds have never won at Polson Bridge in a league encounter before, but they beat the All Blacks 46-24 at the Recreation Ground earlier in the season.
So revenge is eagerly sought by this weekend's hosts to make up for that very disappointing experience in September.
Assistant coach and club captain Tom Rawlings said: "As soon as that game was over, we were looking forward to the rematch.
"We have found a lot more form since that game down at their place, which wasn't very good from our point of view, and we want to put in a sterling performance this weekend.
"There is a lot at stake, and we want to make sure we finish on a high before the Christmas break.
"The history between the two clubs, and the results we have had at Polson over Redruth, means a lot not only to the current players, but to previous Launceston players and a tremendous amount to our supporters."
The All Blacks saw their five-match winning streak come to an end last weekend with a 28-12 defeat at high-flying Worthing.
And they will come up against a Redruth side bang in form, despite their well-publicised financial difficulties off the pitch.
Their 39-11 home win over Clifton on Saturday was their fifth victory on the trot and leaves them in third place in the National Two South table - four places and 18 points ahead of the All Blacks.
"Redruth are putting some good results together and they are obviously playing to their strengths, with their strong pack," said back rower Rawlings.
"They have got the top try scorer in the league at the moment in back rower Tom Duncan, who is a great ball carrier; they have got some very good players in their front row, with the likes of Darren Jacques; and also in their second row and back row.
"It is hard to find a weakness in their team, but it is derby day, everyone is going to be up for it, it will be a fiery encounter, as they always are, and we need to make sure we go out and produce the goods."
Rawlings was dropped to the bench for last weekend's 28-12 defeat at Worthing, but should be back in the starting line-up for the derby battle.
Rawlings admitted: "I haven't been playing badly, but I haven't been playing as well as I usually do, and that has been a bit frustrating.
"Lloyd Duke started against Worthing, he has been training well, and it was a kick up the backside for myself.
"And I felt I made an impact when I came on and feel like I have got my mojo back, and at a good time as well, with Redruth coming up this weekend."
Full report next week.
