Redruth coach Ashley Morcom pleased with battling defeat

Redruth coach Ashley Morcom said his side can take great heart from their display in losing 39-32 at Bournemouth.

The scoreline meant the Reds took two points - one as a losing bonus point and one for scoring four tries - back to Cornwall from the table-toppers.

"If the game was five minutes longer we probably would have turned them over," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"To pick up two points up away from home is a big plus. We didn't give up and stuck with it for the full 80."

A last-minute penalty from Murray Westren got Redruth to within the seven-point losing margin needed to earn the losing bonus point.

And Morcom added: "I don't think I can take too many of these games - we keep leaving a bit late to put things together but credit to the guys.

"I'm only 31 but I'm looking about 90 already. Bournemouth play a lot of wide rugby and on the turnover - they're a very good side and are only going to get better.

"Our boys showed great character and that's what you need away from home. We had a lot of problems in the scrums, but to get 32 points would normally be enough to beat anyone away from home."