BARKING 17pts REDRUTH 10pts - Redruth have never won in nine visits to Goresbrook but this was perhaps the best chance of success they have had.
Head coach Nigel Hambly told the Packet: "It was a real disappointment, the guys are hurting badly. We realise this was a good chance. I asked for a big effort and I cannot fault the effort today, it was excellent. We had a dream start. I was pleased we did not back off and we kept going really well. A lot of credit has to go to Barking, their defence today was outstanding - just like we were against Esher."
A turning point was a 12 minute delay late in the first half due to an ankle injury to the Reds 20-year-old hooker Ben Priddey.
"The injury took the sting out of us. I felt we had the upper hand at that stage, a long break did not do anybody any favours but it gave Barking the chance to start again," said Nigel.
Priddey looks to have ligament damage. Fortunately Reds secretary Roger Watson brought him back from hospital and he was able to rejoin the team for the long bus journey back to Redruth.
Redruth turned out in a new strip of green shirts and shorts with green andwhite docks for the first time.
The Reds have suffered an injury hoodoo this season. Skipper John Navin, Dan Goodwin, Craig Bonds, Mark Richards, Richard Carroll, Jamie Caruana and now Priddey have picked up long term injuries. On the plus side Navin returned to action for the first time since October while Goodwin is close to returning.
In the last 20 minutes Redruth were camped inside the Barking 22 but were unable to turn position into points.
"The decision makers have got to take it on the chin, I did not want to play too much rugby in our own half in the second period. We did not have the experience and quality to finish them off today," Nigel added.
Full report in this week's issue.
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