With top playing second in the division, matching two of the most free-scoring sides, one might have anticipated a delicious serving of open running rugby to delight the spectator at the Recreation Ground. It was quite a game but there was never, at any point, the suggestion of a free-flowing bonanza. Instead, this was an old-fashioned battle of the packs which at times was reminiscent of two grizzled prize fighters slugging it out in front of a baying crowd. The attacking potential of both back divisions became almost an irrelevance as the two packs set about each other.

Redruth’s success this season emanated from their ability to bully their opponents up front with a combination of scrummaging power and mauling expertise. Rather than employ the rapier against the bulldozer exploiting what many see as their most potent weapon to run their opponents ragged, Hornets opted to match fire with fire. Hinckley negated the threat of the maul in an extraordinarily effective defensive display and matched, if not came out on top, in the scrum battle. The result stunned the home support who could not understand how their pack were suddenly being shunted backwards. It wasn’t pretty but it was feisty, tough and aggressive although never descending into the niggly nastiness that can destroy a game. Neither side would have been entirely happy with their performance with errors aplenty (the line-out in particular proved a real issue for Hornets) but, as a demonstration of sheer guts and determination against the odds, it was outstanding from the Hinckley men.

Bizarrely though, having vanquished their previously unbeaten hosts, Hinckley found they had dropped two places in the division. Bonus point wins for both Clifton and Luctonians saw them both overtake Hornets by a single point. The current table could hardly be tighter with four sides now having won seven out of eight. The top three are locked together on 35 points. Hinckley are one point behind in fourth with the hint of blue water beginning to emerge between the top four and the chasing pack. Of far more significance, however, is the message this victory will have sent to the rest of the division.

Defence coach Ben Avent was delighted with both the performance and the result. ‘Redruth is always a tough place to come, and we knew it was going to be a huge battle up front. I thought the boys fronted up brilliantly. The forwards were outstanding, particularly at scrum time, and there were some fantastic defensive efforts throughout the game. More importantly, when it mattered, the boys found a way to win. Huge credit to everyone involved – a brilliant team effort and a great result.’

The early exchanges resembled a chess match with both sides prodding for a weakness. It was arguable however, that Hinckley had the edge, particularly after Redruth wing Noel Clifford saw yellow for taking out Matt Guilfoyle in the air. Travis Bennett-Allcock did go over in the corner after a searing break on halfway from Will Callan but the referee adjudged the final pass to be forward in what was a very tight call.

It took until the 24th minute to see the opening score and it was Hinckley who grabbed the lead. Sam McNulty was adjudged to be held up after driving over line from a short-range line-out but a poor kick-out from behind the line resulted in Hinckley securing a scrum 5m from the Redruth line. It took some effort as the ball went through the hands of almost all the Hinckley side but eventually Devon Coulson forced his way over for the try.

The Redruth response came quickly. A penalty just inside the Hinckley half set up a catch and drive attempt for the home side but a great defensive effort repulsed the attack albeit at the expense of a penalty in front of the posts 15m from the line. It was a foregone conclusion that fly-half Joe Cummins would slot the kick to make it 3-5 after half an hour.

Both sides went close in the remaining ten minutes of the half but both defences held solid and they trooped off at the interval with all to play for.

Reds came out after the break looking slightly the more urgent and got their reward after 51 minutes. A Redruth interception on their own 22m ended a promising Hinckley attack. The ball was kicked deep and Hornets found themselves with a line-out back on their 22m. There was no real call for alarm but when the line-out throw went over the top it was seized by Redruth, worked to the line, and centre Connor Gilbert went over as Hinckley ran out of defenders out wide. Cummins hit the post with the conversion attempt but Reds were ahead for the first time in the game.

Eight minutes later though, Tom Addison squared it up with a penalty from 30m which went over via the posts and, at 8-8, things were set for an epic final quarter.

It was nerve-jangling stuff reflected very much by play on the pitch but as the minutes ticked by a draw looked the likely result. But with just a few minutes remaining, Hinckley set up what looked like it may be a final opportunity with a line-out on the Redruth 22m. But the throw again missed its mark. Redruth recovered much to the ire of the Hinckley support, only to knock on and present Hinckley with a scrum, with the home support this time voicing their frustration. There was no easy route to the line though as the ball went wide and back again before a series of pick and drives eventually saw Benji Clarke force his way over for the try. Addison converted and Hinckley were in front with five to go.

Redruth mounted a final effort and secured a catch and drive attempt from 10m with time almost up. But the Hinckley defence held, turned the ball over, and Addison joyously kicked it dead to end the game. It was a win that will live long in the memory of the travelling Hinckley support.

Nick Robinson