This weekend Lymm’s First XV will make the 650-mile round trip for their first ever encounter with Redruth. Having been established in 1875, this year Redruth are celebrating their 150-year anniversary. “The Reds” are an iconic club with a proud history who, despite the incredible distances they have had to travel to fulfil league fixtures since leagues were introduced in the late 1980’s, have consistently competed at a high level. Indeed, from their historic playing record (handily set out on their website), it appears that this season marks their 29th consecutive season playing in the National Leagues. The vast majority of these have been in National 2, albeit they did have a couple of seasons in National League 1 between 2009 and 2011.

Interlaced with this history will no doubt be great characters and exceptional playing talent – the most recognisable (to those of a certain age) being the poster boy of English rugby of the early 1960s, flyhalf Richard Sharp who represented both England and the British Lions.

This season, Redruth have won one and lost one – the loss being at the hands of local rivals, and ante-post title favourites, Camborne, a match played in front of an incredible 3,000 strong crowd.

Last week, Lymm backed up their opening day away win at Luctonians with a narrow 27-24 home victory over Chester. Lymm will certainly travel with confidence whilst recognising that they are venturing into uncharted territory to play a side they know pretty much nothing about – albeit Redruth’s exceptionally consistent playing record and the reputation of “Hellfire” corner, suggest that a highly competitive encounter awaits.

When the team bus arrives at The Recreation Ground at around midday on Saturday, it is expected that it will be shortly followed by Lymm’s “old man in lycra” when 75-year-old Paul Foulkes (“Floss”) completes his 375-mile fund-raising ride from Lymm to Redruth. At the time of writing, Paul is resting his weary limbs in Fraddon, near Newquay, with just the final leg of his odyssey to complete. There are still plenty of hills to negotiate before he makes it to journey’s end, but hopefully the weather will be kind and the fact that he is closing in on his £10,000 fund raising target will spur him on. Go Floss go!

There is still time to support Floss’s great effort. Donations can be made at:

Just Giving

This weekend also marks the 150th appearance for Tom Shard. A great achievement.