HALF-BACK veterans Spike Chandler and Jez Flynn were on the scoresheet in a thrilling 33-33 draw at Redruth as Redingensians Rams finished eighth in their first ever National Two South campaign.

But the future of the club was also to the fore with 18-year-old back Gareth Sims coming on in the first half to produce a promising display.

Gary Reynolds, the Rams CEO, said: “It was a perfect day and an excellent finish to a gruelling season. With us safe from relegation after the Chinnor win, it was the first time I’ve really been able to enjoy a game.”

A mid-table position seemed impossible after Rams had kicked off with four successive losses including an opening 37-16 reverse at home to Redruth.

But the dedicated band of players eventually adjusted to the pace and physicality of the higher level.

Yet a shock result looked on the cards against the fourth-placed Cornishmen when Rams took a 20-14 interval lead down the slope.

Chandler’s third-minute penalty settled them and although Redruth hit back with the first of Lewis Vinnicombe’s two tries.

In between his scores, Rams skipper Dan Barnes broke to send over centre partner Steve Bryant, who had been a scholar at nearby Truro College.

Then 38-year-old scrum-half Flynn sniped over for his 101st league try in his first game for three seasons. Chandler added his second conversion and a penalty just before the interval.

If Rams had the better of the first half, Redruth just shaded the second period which began with a Tom Cowan Dickie touchdown, but Chandler quickly landed his third penalty.

However, there was a setback for Rams with the lively No. 8 Jamie Guttridge yellow carded for not rolling away.

The home side took advantage with a penalty try as Rams found themselves behind for the third time, but they were not to be denied.

Periods of forward pressure led to a Jake Knowles’ first league try for the 14-men before Guttridge returned to add another five-pointer for a 33-26 lead.

But they were prevented from earning a famous victory by a late converted Brad Howe try.

A special mention for Jack Steadman, playing in an unaccustomed role of tight head, who did well to help the Rams scrum hold up against formidable opposition.