National League Two West: Redruth 18 Taunton Titans 20

The rain relented and the ground was heavy, writes Hugh Duder on a damp afternoon in West Cornwall.

The two sides began with mid-table positions, the victors moving up to fourth at the end of proceedings. There was plenty of entertainment given the result was in doubt to the last minute as another ended in fine margins.

Redruth took the lead on 12 minutes after some good inter-passing saw their diminutive full back burst into the line 5-0. Back came Titans, who then conceded a penalty on the hosts’ try line. Further penalties followed, the Reds gaining territory leading to their second try on 18 minutes 10-0. Nearing the ½ hour, an interception by Freddie Elliot, who ran 50 metres to the try line, the conversion by Tom Putt successful, 10-7. Then, on the stroke of half-time, strong driving from Redruth and a second try for Cowan-Dickie gave them a 15-7 lead.

Into the second half on 51 minutes, Scott Gibson made a break and found Reece Malone, who scored an unconverted try 15-12, followed 7 minutes later by an excellent handling move with Dan Martin going over and Titans led 15-17. A yellow card for the visitors could have been crucial as Titan’s changes after the break had begun to give them momentum.

On 72 minutes, a penalty for Redruth put them back in front 18-17. Another yellow card for Titans. 3 minutes left on the clock and Taunton had the one thing they needed – possession inside the Reds' half. Scrum infringement penalty Taunton.

Up stepped Tom Putt and from 30 metres out calmly placed the ball between the uprights. That brought the game to a close, the scoreboard reading 18-20. 3 tries each dogged defences, many penalties conceded, 2 yellow cards for the visitors.

Tony Yapp, the head coach for Taunton, said after the game: "not our best performance, but playing at Redruth is always difficult, especially in wet and heavy conditions. Despite that we were able to stay in the game. Titans putting themselves in a good position to win the game".