Stevens has final say as Redruth snatch victory

A TRY deep into injury time from Redruth skipper Sam Stevens gave the Cornish side an opening-day 10-8 National League Two South home win against a determined Esher side, writes Bill Hooper.

It was a result that pleased a relieved Redruth director of rugby, Nigel Hambly. “I was delighted to sneak a win there at the death,” he said. “I think both sides defended well for the whole match. There were very few clean-cut opportunities for either side, but in the end we backed ourselves to go for the win when we could have gone for the posts to get a draw.”

The game started out as a stalemate in midfield, with neither side able to find a breakthrough amid some stern tackling.

A promising move from Redruth involving Lewis Vinnicombe, Richie Kevern, Brad Howe and Matt Shepherd came to nothing as they were turned over, and spectators had to wait until the 36th minute for the first points.

Redruth managed to rip the ball from Esher in midfield and Shepherd set off on a powerful run before timing his pass to Vinnicombe, who scored in Hellfire Corner. Fraser Honey could not add the extras.

Esher began the second half well, with wings Tom James and Martin Freeman looking lively, and their pressure was rewarded when Gus Locke knocked over a penalty.

Esher went looking for another score and turned pressure into points from a catch and drive thanks to an unconverted try from Delvin Hope.

Redruth piled on the pressure during a lengthy period of additional time, eschewing a simple kick at goal to tie the game to go for the win. Their ambition paid off following multiple phases as Stevens squeezed over from the final play.