Thanks to Tom Day (vice-captain) for this write up of the weekend…
On Saturday Roseland entertained Redruth Albany at Phileigh in our first game of the 2015/16 season.
Albany had already played a couple of friendlies and as both teams are in the same league both felt the need to put down early season markers. New skipper Andrew “Starky” Stark wanted to kick off his reign with a win.
Albany kicked off playing with the slope and the slight breeze. Roseland had a young and enthusiastic side out with several of the squad making their first appearances for the club.
Both teams started at a pace trying to work the other out and Roseland’s forwards soon got on top with a string of strong scrums resulting in a penalty try that was duly converted by Tom Day. Albany worked their way into the Roseland 22 and if not for some good goal line defence could of drawn level however they settled for 3 points from the boot of their centre to make the score 7-3.
Sadly, this was as close as Albany were to get to Roseland, however it must be noted that Albany played some good rugby, never gave up, and played and defended hard for the full 80.
Roseland started to string together several good phases with good linking up between forwards and backs, with the backs looking particularly good with the pace of Mike Rushbridge, Andy Harris and Ryan Harris showing and the level head of Sam Glanville calming things from full back. During the first half prop Jonathon Goodenough came on to make his first appearance for the club and showed lots of promise doing a “Goodenough” job anchoring the scrum at tight head.
There was a welcome return of stalwart Craig “Forrest Gump” Edwards showing strong direct running and the addition of a lovely dummy in the centre. The backs were marshalled well throughout by the ageless Shaun Eamer.
It was due to the aforementioned backs and the supply of good ball created by the forwards that scores followed for scrum half Tom Day, wing Andy Harris and second row James Palmer, with Day converting 2 of them. Roseland went in 26-3 up at half time.
At half time flanker Alan Breckon, who was as like a mad dog as ever, was replaced by Andrew Sincock with Ryan Harris shifting to flanker and Sincock to wing.
The half time message was clear, keep playing like we did in the first half.
The second half was similar to the first with Albany trying hard to break down a resolute Roseland defence and the Roseland team not keen on gifting the opposition possession or points. The forwards continued to dominate, even winning a couple of scrums “against the head” with hooker Anthony Thomas having a good 80 minutes at scrum and line out and being rewarded with his second ever try for Roseland from a powerful rolling maul.
Roseland’s biggest concern was the number of silly penalties being given away throughout the match with several players, Jake Flamank and Joe Davidson, just over keen at the seasons first outing.
An injury to last seasons top try scorer Nathan Chapman meant a first appearance for Nick “Janet” Jane at flanker who impressed with his work rate.
Roseland’s plan of playing running expansive rugby was paying dividends with scores for centre Mike Rushbridge, another for Andy Harris and a brace from replacement Andrew Sincock and with Day converting 3 second half tries Roseland racked up a comfortable win of 57-3.
Despite the win there is still plenty to work on for the players, but Roseland got there season off to the best possible start.
As mentioned though Albany never gave up and deserved more from the game. However due to Roseland being on tour when the second round matches are to be played, Albany’s consolation is that they proceed to play Stithians on the 19th and all at Roseland wish them the best of luck.
Our next fixture is Saturday 12th at home to St Austell 2nds. – See you all there!