Roseland 53 – Redruth Albany 0

Roseland victorious against struggling Albany

another great report from Tom Day

On another blustery Saturday afternoon, top of the table Roseland entertained bottom club Redruth Albany at Philleigh. In a game Roseland were expected to win at a canter there were few surprises to be had.

Albany had visited Roseland once this season already in the Junior National Vase competition and lost heavily 57-3. Despite Albanys struggles this year they have stuck to their task and valiantly fulfilled all there fixtures and deserve credit for this.

They arrived on Saturday with a bare 15 and despite conceding 3 quick fire tries they stuck to their task and defended gutsily and definitely had the better of the second 40.

Roseland started the game knowing that this could of been a potential banana skin of a fixture. Having been in Albany’s position themselves recently they know the difficulties faced but also know that in these top versus bottom fixtures nothing should be taken for granted.

Playing up the slope and with the wind blowing, in the unusual direction of across the pitch Roseland alleviated any early fears by racing into a 19-0 lead after 10 minutes with tries from returning second row Will “Figgy” Martin, a first ever try for new centre Simon Strong and a score for stalwart full back Davo Williams. Two of these were converted. One by Eddy and the other by Davo.

Albany fought back and regained some position to slow the moment of the home team. This coupled with some uncharacteristic handling errors and some determined last ditch defence took the sting out of Roselands opening salvo. The home side regained the momentum though with some direct running from Nathan Chapman, Simon Strong and Figgy and well supported by the rest of the team to stretch their half time lead to 43-0 with further tries from winger Mike “Legs” Rushbridge, centre Matt Eddy and a brace for No8 Nathan Chapman who stretches his try scoring record to 6 tries in 4 games. Again two of these were converted, both by Davo Williams.

At half time Roseland made a host of changes. Completely changing their front row and also a few positional changes. As ever with making so many changes and with the knowledge that the game was all but wrapped up its always difficult to regain the momentum from the first half.

Albany also got into the game with a stronger defensive display and carrying the ball with purpose.

Roseland did finally strike though with a try from replacement centre Craig “Forrest Gump” Edwards. The conversion was missed.

During the second half the commitment to the game by the Albany players was unquestionable with several players picking up injuries but bravely continuing to play. However after several injuries too many the referee stepped in and Roseland sportingly loaned Albany 3 players for the remaining 15 minutes. The 3 players, Nathan Chapman, Antony Thomas and Tom Day, really put themselves about against there own side and lifted the spirits of the Albany players. Unfortunately they couldn’t prevent there “team mates” from scoring a final try of the afternoon. Centre Simon Strong completed his brace by smartly following up his centre partner Forrests initial strong burst to gather the off load and touch down. The conversion was again missed and the afternoons scoring was complete.

Although the final score was 53-0, the pure guts and determination put in by the Albany players meant they deserved something from the game.
Everyone at Roseland wishes Albany the best for the remainder of the season and hopes they have an upturn in fortunes soon.

Next week Roseland travel to Camelford for back to back games, and also game two of four, against them. This first fixture is a league game with a 2:30 kick off. Directions here