Report by Rob Kershaw
Redruth RFC v Plymouth Albion RFC
K/O 3 PM, THE RECREATION GROUND, REDRUTH, TR15 1SY
Albion’s final trip of pre-season takes them to Cornwall, and the gorgeous town of Redruth as the National League One season inches closer.
Albion have won both of their two pre-season games so far in 2022, coming out on top against an extremely brave Okehampton side, before narrowly overcoming Exeter University’s team in Topsham last weekend.
The BUCS team will be plying their trade in the same league as Redruth this campaign, with both sides featuring in the National League Two West.
The division has changed from the National League Two South for the 2022-23 season, with an east and west split being used instead of a north/south.
Redruth were impressive last term, claiming victory 12 times at home, while tasting defeat on just three occasions at the Recreation Ground.
They added another 12 to that tally away from home, but that was not quite enough to beat the incredible Esher side that gained promotion to National League One.
But if the Cornish side continue their impressive form, they stand a good chance of rising into the third tier of English Rugby.
They should therefore pose just as much of a challenge to the Albion side that are preparing for an improved showing through the upcoming campaign.
Sadly for this weekend’s hosts, they have not had a chance to get their first team on the pitch yet this summer, with friendlies against Launceston, Dinas Powys and Glamorgan Wanderers falling at the wayside due to cancellations.
The second team has had some playing time though, beating Truro by two points at the beginning of August.
An exceptional finish by Conrad Burne and a dramatic winner by Dan Pullinger helped boost the morale further last weekend heading towards the new season and, while fitness and match practice is naturally more important in pre-season, a win at Redruth, if even inwardly, will be on the agenda.
Travel:
Train cancellations are set to be rife on Saturday due to strikes, so a three-and-a-half hour car journey is on the cards to get down to Redruth.
10 seats are still available on the Albi travel coach though, so there is still time to book your place for £20 and head down to Cornwall on Saturday! Please contact them at albitravel@gmail.com
Weather:
The sun is set to creep through on Saturday, with temperatures reaching around 20 Degrees Celsius, but a bit of cloud cover should make the temperatures a lot more bearable!
We would also like to take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to everyone involved with Redruth Rugby club, and the families of former players Leslie Blitchford and Adam Ellery, who passed away recently.