Murphy inspires Barum’s stirring fightback
Barnstaple…29
Redruth …24
BARNSTAPLE made it back-to-back bonus-point wins at the start of the season in a thriller against Redruth.
A late Winston James try – created by outstanding fly-half Jake Murphy – snatched a well-deserved victory after Barnstaple’s best performance in National Two.
Against a team who put nearly 100 points past them in two crushing defeats last term, Barum dominated the first half.
With a strong wind in their favour, they built a 17-0 lead, with a close-range try by Gareth Evans and a score wide on the left from Kyle Speare after a sweeping move.
Redruth had barely got their hands on the ball, but they set up a comeback with a try on the stroke of half-time from Ethan Pattison.
With Tipiloma Kivalu carrying strongly, the Cornishmen took control and were level within ten minutes of the second half.
Joe Elderkin kicked a penalty, then landed an excellent touchline conversion after Kyle Marriott’s pushover try.
It was looking like an away win when Craig Williams scored Redruth’s third try for a 24-17 lead.
But Barnstaple hit back to score twice in the final five minutes.
Evans crossed for his second try from a catchand- drive, then Murphy inspired a final attack which ended with his break and a popped pass for skipper James to finish under the posts.
