Derbies to bring "massive" boost to Cornish sides

Thousands packed out Camborne's Recreation Ground for the first meeting between the sides last season

Derby matches between Redruth and Camborne this season will provide a big financial bonus to both clubs says Camborne boss Steve Larkins.

The two sides - just four and a half miles apart - meet in their first National Two West fixture of the season on Saturday.

The meetings last year each got crowds of around 3,000 as the two rivals faced one another in league games for the first time in 32 years.

"It's a massive boost," Larkins told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"If we can get 3,000 there, and on the return fixture back at Camborne as well, that will help to afford the travel away and the overnight stops - we've got to do four of them this year.

"It will be a huge bar taking as well, we know that on Saturday for Redruth and then the reverse one at Christmas will be exactly the same.

"It's great to see that and it does keep the treasurers of both clubs happy for a few months and it enables us to stay at hotels or looking after the players in terms of food and kit."

Camborne beat Redruth 36-29 in the first fixture between the sides last September before a 'titanic' 19-19 draw at Redruth shortly before Christmas.

With no game for Cornish Pirates, and sides such as St Austell and Launceston playing away matches, Redruth boss Richie Kevern envisages a bumper attendance at the Rec on Saturday.

"We're hoping that it gets the crowd and the occasion that it deserves," he said.

"Two local sides going at it hammer and tongs and we'd like to think that'll attract people who haven't got any support for either side but just want to see a good game of rugby.

"To the local area it'll be an important fixture, and for it to be in another league season is brilliant for the area - so I'm sure it'll draw a crowd."

Both sides began their seasons with wins last week - Camborne registering a 52-25 victory over Macclesfield while Redruth beat Hornets 29-27.

It sets up a game that will be close and stressful for both sets of coaches, players and fans.

"We want to be travelling to our local neighbours, people like Redruth," says Larkins.

"That's what's the most enjoyable, because we get the biggest crowds, the most excitement, but it's pretty stressful on the day.

"I know this week in training you can definitely sense there's going to be something different this week leading to the Redruth game.

"Nearly every player knows everyone in both squads. There's old players from Redruth playing for Camborne and vice versa, so it's definitely going to be a massive battle."

The sides played out a tense 19-19 draw just before Christmas

And it is a massive battle that both sides will not want to lose.

Last season, Camborne were promoted into the league that Redruth have been part of since 2011.

Camborne went on to finish the season in sixth place, 10 points and three places above the Reds - who want their first win over their rivals since they returned.

"It still doesn't sit well losing that game last year," Kevern told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"It was a boiling hot day and it was a game that could gave gone either way.

"Fair play to Camborne they took their opportunities that day and the Christmas game was an even battle - we felt we had moments to win and they'll probably feel the same."