St Austell Sinners 73-7 Hayle 2’s

22 Sept 07. Tregorrick Park. Match report by Arthur Guinness

Easily the most welcome face to return to Tregorrick Park this season is that of the legendary Phil Raddenbury. Phil (known to all as Radders) has descended from the heavens (left the RAF) and single-handedly resurrected the club 2nd XV, whom he has christened, somehow appropriately, the “Sinners.” Although Radders’ young charges were pipped at the post by Newquay last week, on Saturday he provided divine inspiration, leading them to a 73-7 crucifixion of a side who hail from errr…….Hayle.

With the less-than-angelic Steve Smith and Damo Phillips anchoring the scrum, the in-form Brett Marsh marshalling from No 8 and the omnipotent Hamish Gordon calling the shots at scrum-half, the Sinners were always in control. They won enough ball to give their talented backs free-reign, allowing them to run up a 40 point lead. The Sinners ran in 6 tries before the break, the best of which was a 50 metre solo run by the irrepressible Dan Hawkey, who surprised the Hayle, large crowd and himself with his turn of speed.

Playing in only his second senior game, 17 year old Steve Howorth provided the cutting edge in midfield. With his long black hair and take-no-prisoners defence, Steve has quickly earned the nickname “Chabal.” After two scintillating tries you can be sure that it won’t be long before he will in contention for a first team place. Steve was a contender for man-of-the-match but just lost out to the cherub-faced fellow colt Dan Hambly. Dan (better known as Fudgie) was like a young Richie McCaw – seemingly never more than a metre from the ball. He raced in for a brace himself and had a hand in three others.

In the second period Radders changed several players just so all of the squad got a game. With virtually his first two touches returnee from injury Adam Kellow raced in for two tries. He was followed by Hamish Gordon’s second and finally James Rowe completed the scoring. Hayle did manage a consolation try but with the outstanding Luke Wright converting seven Saints completed the rout. To their credit Hayle fought tooth and nail till the final whistle but were simply outclassed by a good young side. Next week the Sinners are away to Bude 2’s.