TYLER Gendall will make his 100th appearance tomorrow for Redruth as they welcome Old Redcliffians to the Recreation Ground (3pm).

The Reds have lost their last two games – against Hinckley and Cinderford – having won seven on the trot to start with, but such is the incredibly tight nature of the division at the top end, they have dropped to fourth in the table, albeit the same number of points adrift of leaders Luctonians.

They host Bristol-based Old Reds looking for a response, and director of rugby Richie Kevern felt last weekend’s late defeat in Gloucestershire was one that was got away.

He said: “The last week was frustrating, with a narrow defeat against Cinderford. The game was closely contested and should have been a win on reflection, there were plenty of positives in our performances, but ultimately we have come away without the result that our efforts deserved.

At this level, fine margins make all the difference. We need to ensure that when opportunities come our way, we are more clinical in taking them and make the most of the chances we create. There is no doubt that the effort, commitment and desire within the group is there, but we must turn those performances into points, and in the end, results.”

Kevern alongside fellow coaches Richard Brown and Ryan Westren have made one alteration in both the pack and behind the scrum.

Powerhouse No.8 Rob Baragwanath earns a second start of the season in place of youngster Finn Wolstencroft, while Finn Love has been recalled by the Cornish Pirates which gives youngster Noah Clifford another opportunity on the right wing.

Hooker Jarrod Hambly and scrum-half Jacob Chapple come into the matchday 20.

Kevern is determined to ensure Gendall, who turned out for the Cornish Pirates in pre-season, enjoys his big day against an Old Reds team who are fifth, three points behind.

He continued: “Old Reds come off a good result last week and will be confident of taking us on. They play an expansive brand of rugby and will look to take advantage of us in some areas.”

Kevern had plenty of praise for Gendall earlier this week.

He said: “I cannot speak highly enough of Tyler. He is a true professional, both on and off the pitch, and someone I am proud to call a good friend.

I spent many occasions trying to convince Tyler to pull his boots back on while we were both involved with coaching the Cornwall Under 20s. His response was always the same: “Nah, I’m happily finished with rugby.”

However, I wasn’t prepared to give up that easily. After much persistence, I eventually persuaded him to come along to a training session at Redruth, simply to ‘have a run around’. That turned into helping us out for one Boxing Day fixture, and here we are, 99 appearances later!

Throughout those games, I have seen first-hand the immense value Tyler has brought to this club. His influence extends far beyond what he delivers on the pitch. The way he conducts himself around the younger members of the squad, the standards he sets and the demands he places on those around him are a testament to his character and professionalism. He leads by example, leads from the front and sets standards that others naturally follow.

“To reach 100 appearances, particularly as a front-row forward, and over such a relatively short period of time, is an outstanding achievement in itself. To further add to that, Tyler also added to his experience at Championship level with further appearances for the Cornish Pirates while on loan, as well as representing Cornwall during the summer. These achievements only serve to further underline his quality, commitment and professionalism as a player.

Tyler deserves every bit of recognition that comes his way. What started as a request to simply come along for a run around, has turned into a fantastic contribution to this club.

Congratulations, Genz. A thoroughly deserved milestone and an equally well-earned Red Blazer.”

A huge weekend for the club also sees the seconds visit neighbours Camborne for the inaugural league fixture between the two clubs as they meet in Counties One Western West (2pm). Fourteen of the starting XV are from the club’s youth system, as are all three replacements.

REDRUTH: Harry Larkins; Noah Clifford, Jack Simmons (capt), Connor Gilbert, Jack Counter; Joe Cummins, Sam Bray; Rohan Ewels, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Tyler Gendall; Mawgan Osborne, Todd Prisk; Aden Brassington, Will Symons, Rob Baragwanath. Replacements: Jarrod Hambly, Cam Leigh, Luke Hattam, Finn Wolstencroft, Jacob Chapple.