Robinson keeps his cool to fend off Redruth

WILL ROBINSON’S injurytime penalty proved the match winner for promotion-chasing Old Elthamians in the Cornish sunshine.

There was an errorstrewn opening ten minutes with both sides trying to get the upperhand.

Eventually, it was Redruth who drew first blood when, from a catch and drive, Pale Nonu got among the forwards to score. Brett Rule added the extras.

Elthamians began to enjoy a greater share of possession midway through the first half and, after Robinson had missed with a penalty kick at goal, he was on the money with the conversion for the opening try, scored by Dominic Lespierre following good play from Chris Surman and Alex Brown.

Moments later, Redruth were again rocked as Robinson intercepted a pass on halfway to run in under the posts and convert his own score for a 14-7 advantage at the break.

Redruth butchered a golden chance just after half-time and that was to prove costly, though they did draw level when Rule added the conversion to Jack Oulton’s try following good work from Shane Buzza, Chris Fuca and BJ Chapman.

Rule then kicked a penalty to regain the lead for Redruth, but two late strikes from Robinson gave the Old Boys a vital win to boost their promotion challenge.