Canterbury 46, Redruth 14

Redruth’s long pilgrimage to Canterbury sadly saw their prayers go unanswered as they slipped to a heavy defeat against the play-off chasing contenders, writes Bill Hooper.

An already challenging afternoon was made worse early on as Redruth lost centre Jack Simmons to a nasty head injury.

Canterbury took the lead with a penalty after eight minutes through Harvey Young before they scored the first of their tries on the counter thanks to flanker Sam Rogers, Young adding the conversion for a 10-0 lead.

With half-time fast approaching it was Redruth who bagged the next score thanks to a try from a chip and chase scored by fly-half Aaron Simmonds, scrum-half Ashley Hosking adding the extras to leave Redruth handily placed just 10-7 at half-time.

However, Canterbury pulled away in the third quarter to settle the match scoring a further four tries, scored by skipper Sean Stapleton, full-back Aiden Moss, Rogers with his second and centre Ollie Best with two of the tries converted by Young and Best to put the home side 34-7 in command.

Redruth’s cause wasn’t helped when they lost lock Todd Prisk to the sin-bin and Canterbury exploited their advantage mercilessly scoring a further couple of tries through prop Sam Kenny and centre Sam Stirling with Best adding his third conversion of the game.

Redruth did manage a consolation score through winger Dean Bonds, again bettered by Hosking.

Redruth’s Director of Rugby Nigel Hambly acknowledged Canterbury were the better side on the day, saying: "They played some good rugby and showed why they are up near the top. We didn’t help or cause with our tackling which was much too high. However the boys stuck at it and I can’t ask for more from them."

Redruth will hope to get a few players back next week when they take on London Irish Wild Geese at the Recreation Ground, kick-off 2 pm.