Nonu admits Redruth lost to better side

Redruth had no answer on Saturday as a superb second-half performance saw Redingensians claim a bonus-point 32-14 win at the Recreation Ground to cement top spot in National League Two South.

Redruth head coach Pale Nonu was naturally disappointed with the result but acknowledged that the better side won on the day. He said: “A disappointing performance, but fair play to the Rams.

“They did a job on us today and showed why they are a topof-the-table side. We gave away far too many penalties and when you do that you will struggle to get anything.

“I thought we did reasonably well in the first half. We defended well and tackled hard but we couldn’t make the most of the chances we made.”

Despite losing lock Ollie Taylor to injury from the kickoff, the Rams soon settled as they made the most of a catch and drive. Taylor’s replacement Craig Nightingale popped over for a try in the corner following several phases, with fly-half Alex Seers adding the conversion.

A carbon copy of the first try saw hooker Ben Henderson driven over as the Rams rutted their way through the Redruth pack for an unconverted try.

Redruth needed a score. It came with their own powerful drive off a line-out, with inspirational skipper Richard Brown getting the try bettered by full-back Aaron Simmonds.

Busy wing Tom Notman put the home side in a good position, but the Reds could not take advantage. Instead an error in midfield by Redruth gifted the Rams a third try, scored by flanker Louis Wolf.

Having missed with the last two conversion attempts, Seers made amends with a routine penalty moments later as Redruth again fell foul of the referee. With half-time fast approaching, the hosts needed a score and it came following several phases of play with number eight Sam Stevens being driven over under the sticks. Simmonds obliged with the extras.

The visitors largely dominated the second half and, while they survived a yellow card early in the second half, Redruth did not, conceding tries to prop Jack Steadman and replacement back Joe Duffelen, with Seers adding a further conversion to wrap up the result. The Reds will look to bounce back next Saturday at Tonbridge Juddians.