By Tom Little
November 29 2010

This Saturday 4th December kick off 2pm sees Coventry make their longest journey of the season to meet Redruth at The Recreation Ground. The teams last met in the league structure in season 1993/4 in the old Division 3, with Coventry doing the double, including the away win 19-3. Redruth were founded in 1875, one year after Coventry, and until the advent of the Cornish Pirates were the premier side in Cornwall.  Last season Redruth finished 11th just surviving relegation. Currently they are in 15th position in the relegation zone, having to retrench following the RFU’s reduction in funds for this level.

A reorganisation has seen Chairman David Penberthy also take on the role of Director of Rugby, assisted by coaches Craig Bonds and Tony Cook.

Redruth have largely maintained their squad from last year, helped by their Colts coming through, and a working relationship with Exeter Chiefs Academy, which has allowed some extra players in. 

Redruth still have a formidable pack, especially at home, where Hellfire Corner used to send a shiver through visiting teams.  Players to watch for are goal kicking no 10 Aaron Penberthy from Exeter Academy, and talismanic no 8 and leading try scorer Mark Bright, with over 100 appearances to his name. The backs also contain winger Lewis Vinnicombe, centre Paul Thirlby and fullback Jack Nowell.

It has to be said that Redruth made a poor start to the season losing their first 4 games. So far they have won 3 and lost 9 games with 1 drawn. Wins at home were over Rosslyn Park and Tynedale with an away win over Cinderford.  However they have lost some close games at home and are so far the only team to have stopped league leaders Barking from having a 100% record, earning a creditable draw 20 points each at home.

With both sides having a blank weekend last week after the inclement weather, Coventry will be looking to get their winning ways back on track, but cannot take the home side too lightly, whilst Redruth will be endeavouring to climb out of the relegation zone.

Tom Little

Coventry Rugby press office

REDRUTH V COVENTRY RUGBY PREVIEW

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 29/11/2010 18:02

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
29/11/2010 18:02

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OldNick
01/12/2010 10:59

BBC Weather forecast for Redruth (well, for Falmouth, which is pretty near)

Wednesday Sunny Max +2 Min (overnight) -2
Thursday Sunny Intervals +2 -3
Friday Sunny Intervals +6 +6
Saturday Sunny Intervals +10 +10

BBC Weather forecast for Truro (also pretty close)
Wednesday Light snow shower +3 -2
Thursday Light snow shower +4 -4
Friday Sunny Intervals +6 +2
Sat Sleet shower +8 +7

So, in both cases getting significantly warmer on Friday and Saturday. The real question is whether by Thursday they'll have the confidence that it will or won't thaw in time on Friday for Saturday.

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covmick1/Michael Carter
01/12/2010 12:22

The N.C.A. (National Clubs Association) have given clubs dispensation to inspect pitches/grounds on Thursday this week a full twenty four hours in front of of normal. That is from level three downwards. we are level three. I understand that Redruth will check the pitch on Thursday. But if needed a final inspection will take place at noon on Friday. I myself are due to travel on Friday but will wait till given the go ahead. I will endeavour to post on here from myself or get a message to another person to post on here. Anyone requiring any other information please PM your mobile number and I will contact you. Hope this helps you all.

covmick/Michael Carter

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hipflask
01/12/2010 12:30

Mick will send you my number,,,,,
its on the offy site that Redruth will lets us know by 12 noon friday,so think it will be on there asap, will keep a check on it and post here when it up,

woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '

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OldNick
01/12/2010 13:19

Although the NCA allow the clubs to inspect on Thursday this week, it does not require them to do so. Given the weather forecast the later they inspect, the more likely they are that the match will go ahead.

My expectation is that they will not inspect until they've said - early enough for Coventry to cancel travel, but as late as possible, in the hope that the thaw has had some effect.

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fordy69uk
01/12/2010 16:45

I'm planning to travel Friday dinner time too, so will hold off until I see an announcement , here's hoping eh? I did phone the landlady of the pub I'm booked into to check on cancellation policies, I told her that we were waiting to get the nod she just laughed and said "Redruth Rugby club was frozen solid" But wish us luck lol

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Roger Fox
01/12/2010 16:59

Why does Rugby Union have to play in the winter. Clashing with cricket is not really a valid reason. We clash with football in the winter, which is more likely to draw away supporters. Hard grounds could be solved by longer grass and judicious watering. Grounds in the Southern Hemisphere are still hard in their winters, but they manage to play. Isn't some Rugby League played in the summer. Spring/summer games would attract more supporters and I doubt there would be more postponments for hard grounds than frozen/snowbound pitches in winter. March to October might be the best bet, but no doubt someone will intervene with summer holidays and the elf and safety boys would have something to say.

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fordy69uk
01/12/2010 17:23

Here Here couldn't agree more Roger, plus its far nice stood outside in the sun with a pint!

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Kimbo
01/12/2010 19:02

Quote:

Roger Fox
Why does Rugby Union have to play in the winter........Isn't some Rugby League played in the summer?

Most UK RL is played in the summer - Pro Superleague from Feb to Sept and semi-pro Championship etc Mar to Sept. The amateur RLC (inc. Cov Bears) starts a little later still.
The old Barla amateur National Conference leagues are the only ones that run thru the winter.

Got to admit I'd love RU to shift to a similar pattern as the Pro RL setup.

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GetxoGreg
01/12/2010 23:36

Roger the "elf & safety boys" might have something to say but not the REAL Health and Safety professionals. Check out [www.hse.gov.uk]

You should be up here - our pitch has a metre of snow on it. Bring on summer rugby.

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sim_in_mel
02/12/2010 02:30

If you change to Summer there will be more pressure for the merger of Union and Rugby Ladies



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:12:02:02:30:43 by sim_in_mel.

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