Redruth 26 Worthing 22
Redruth's first home league game in 2013 saw them inflict a third loss on National League 2 South leaders Worthing Raiders at the Recreation Ground, reports Bill Hooper.
The Reds took time to find their best game, especially during the first half when they looked like a side that hadn't played a competitive match for two weeks.
Playing down the slope first half Worthing lived to rue the fact that they didn't make the most of the advantage they had during the when they turned around leading by just 10-5.
The Raiders got off to a great start, scoring their opening try after just four minutes, both centres broke the line with Kiba Richards putting in Oliver Richards under the posts. Scrum-half Joe Govett added the straight-forward conversion.
Worthing saw other gilt-edged chances go begging as Redruth struggled to get a foot-hole in the game. Full-back Alex Nielsen proved a constant threat for the visitors with his running and fine kicking into space.
Redruth slowly played their way back, through the forwards. Pressure in the scoreboard corner saw Redruth capitalise on a charged down clearance with flanker Ben Priddey claiming an unconverted try.
Govett stretched the lead for the Raiders on 20 minutes with a penalty as Redruth strayed offside at a ruck.
Redruth began the second half with greater purpose. Great field position saw the Reds scrum put the pressure on towards Hell fire corner. Denied once, No.8 Tom Duncan made no mistake the second time as the Reds scrum drove towards the line for Duncan to be driven over.
Thirlby added the extras with the aid of an upright to put Redruth 12-10 ahead.
Four minutes the same two players repeated the dose. Following great play from Craig Bonds, Lewis Vinicombe and Darren Jacques, Redruth won the ruck with Duncan driving over from close range, Thirlby's conversion stretching the lead to 19-10.
With the final quarter fast approaching Redruth looked to the bench with both Owen Hambly and Aaron Penberthy coming on. For Penberthy this was his first competitive game back following surgery and rehabilitation.
He slotted in at fly-half with Thirlby going to full-back.
Hambly filling in at scrum-half threw an awkward ball back to Penberthy which sailed over his head, Worthing made the most of the error eventually working the ball out for Kiba Richards to go over in the scoreboard corner, Govett's excellent touchline conversion cutting the deficit to just two points.
Moments later Worthing had manufactured a third try. Flying winger Jack Maslen followed up a kick ahead into the in-goal area to capitalise on Redruth indecision to score his side's third try. Govett couldn't add the conversion but Worthing had the lead 22-19.
Redruth got back downfield laying siege to the Worthing line. Following another big drive from Duncan the ball was moved wide with Penberthy capping his return with a great step to cross under the posts for Redruth's fourth try, Thirlby's third conversion sealing the win.
The third-placed Reds are now eight points behind Worthing with two games in hand, ahead of next Saturday's mouthwatering trip to the Cornish All Blacks, who were beaten 20-17 at Southend today.
Redruth 26 pts
Tries – Priddey, Duncan (2), Penberthy, Conversions – Thirlby (3)
Worthing 22 pts
Tries – O Richards, K Richards, Maslen, Conversions – Govett (2), Penalty – Govett
Redruth: C Bonds (A Penberthy 57), T Notman, L Vinnicombe, N Simmons, F Kellythorn, P Thirlby, G Goodfellow; D Jacques, R Brown (N Turner 71), C Williams, D Cook, L Collins (D Job 77), C Fuca (capt), B Priddey (O Hambly 57) (J Rayement 66), T Duncan
Worthing: A Nielsen, J Maslen, K Richards, O Richards, L Peters, B Dudley, J Govett; P Cleveland (M Pointing 64), M Miles (capt), J Burns, W Stutchbury, J Redmayne. J Heaver, S Hewick, R Smith
Replacements (not used): K Dawson, J Smith, J Metters, O Luke
Referee: Nick Williams (RFU)
Crowd: 810
