Victories at Redruth’s Recreation Ground in front of its partisan supporters and the aura surrounding its famed Hell Fire Corner are hard to come by and only achieved with determination throughout visiting teams who accept every scoring chance.

Coach Luke Cozens felt that the momentum and confidence from recent high try scoring wins allowed many of his settled team’s combinations to pay off particularly at critical moments in the game.

Throughout the team there was clearly a positive belief in working together with confidence in each other. It was the Reds who took the very early opportunity to break through the midfield and score a converted try. Not shaken by this set back the response was quickly made when full back Luke Daniels, a constant threat all game, initiated a move ending with AJ Kilbane going over. Tom Quinlan added the extras and was to convert five of the seven tries.

Already tension was mounting as the home team kicked a penalty before clever interplay between Daniels and Zak Hamid sent Matty Smith over. A Redruth try edged them into a one-point lead before Hamid took a great opportunity to go into the renowned corner of the ground to provide the half time lead. Another Kilbane try extended the margin only to be cut briefly by a Redruth penalty.

A line out and competitive encounter gave Clifton Sausage man of the match Daniels the chance to stretch over the line. The Reds now attacking the loyal support in Hell Fire corner created a fine individual try to increase the tension.

Solid tackling and trademark forceful running by centre Will Owen could not be countered as he scored but the crowd encouraged the local team to attack, resulting in a try with time running out and all to play for in the final minutes.

Clifton maintained discipline and purpose to advance up field and win a penalty kicked into the corner. From the resulting maul replacement prop Ricky Cano could not be held with his try sealing the game for a jubilant Clifton.

Limited errors, committed defence and solid performances to contain the Redruth pack released the fine attacking qualities of the back division ahead of the homeward journey with five points secured.

Story: Roger Opie
Photo: Wyn Tingley (Luke Daniels scores)