match report
A Ray of Sunlight
Redruth came to Southend as League leaders on Saturday having not been beaten this season. They left with yet another scalp. However there was a break in the clouds during the game that should encourage Southend.
Having matched their visitors in endeavour and application for most of the first half Southend were only 6 – 0 down courtesy of 2 penalties against. Heading toward half time they had constructed a good move up field taking them to within ten yards of the Redruth line, the referee Mr Pearce, awarded them a penalty almost under the posts.
The cries of “Take the Points” died on the lips of the 500 or so supporters as the decision was a quick tap and drive. It proved to be costly, possession was lost resulting in Redruth taking the ball up the left at speed, it ended up in the hands of their excellent full back R Thirlby. Part of a four man overlap on the right, he duly touched down for a try which was converted by his brother Paul.
So instead of going into the break 6 – 3 down which would have reflected the game, Southend went to the changing rooms 13 – 0 down with it all to do in the second half.
Having lost Frost to an injury in the first half, McKlintocks men started strongly but soon conceded another try to Redruth. Southends new second row, Anderson, made a terrific break, storming up field and running through tackles, unfortunately support was slow in getting to him and his attempted inside pass was a little ambitious, it was intercepted and passed to Thirlby, who beat off two tackles and ran the length of the field to score against the run of play. With a successful conversion the score now stood at 20 – 0.
Southend did not allow their heads to go down and a move up the left resulted in Anderson going over for a deserved try. Hoult, who had taken over the kicking duties, converted from an acute angle and Southend had got their first points on the board.
They continued to press forward in an attempt to get something from the game but in so doing left gaps which were filled by Redruth players. Eventually they scored a further two trys converting one to finish the game 32 – 7 winners and with their record intact.
Although Southend remain in 12th position, both teams below them had unexpected wins, Waterloo beat Cambridge 18 – 13 and Mounts Bay beat their Cornish rivals Launceston 8 – 6 away, proving that games are there to be won regardless of the opposition.
The game against Redruth gave some reason to be optimistic as the points against did not reflect the game overall; we can travel to Stourbridge next week with our heads high.
Alan Grace
Match Stats
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