Penberthy calls for 'extra inch'

Penberthy says he is still aiming for his side to go up to the Championship

Redruth director of rugby Dave Penberthy wants everyone associated with the club to give a little bit more to try and push for promotion.

The club have real concerns over how they will finance themselves next season, be it in the new Championship or in their current league.

At a meeting on Thursday he explained to fans they need to stay united.

"We're a family club and it's times like this where we all have to pull together," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"Our supporters, members and sponsors have been fantastic but we just need that extra inch from each of them to push us home," he added.

Redruth are six points clear at the top of National Two, but the sides below them have games in hand as they look to get the one promotion spot to the Rugby Football Union's new Championship division.

We're a proud club and the club's never been at that level before. We've got some great players here who I know, given the opportunity of full time rugby, could really excel

Dave Penberthy

The club will see their RFU funding cut by a third if they do not get promoted which could lead to an exodus of players from the club.

"Our destiny's in our own hands. If we win every game with bonus points then everybody else has got to catch us," Penberthy said.

And Penberthy says if the club do go up they will either have to find the money to spend big on players or give the current squad a chance.

"The funding being offered is in the region of �300,000. If we stick with our plans of giving our existing squad the opportunity to play at that level then it is viable," he continued.

"If we want to be competitive in that league and get a top five position then we'll need a massive influx of money."

But Penberthy says his aim for the club in the coming months is clear: "We want to win our league, we want to take our place in the championship.

"We're a proud club and the club's never been at that level before. We've got some great players here who I know, given the opportunity of full time rugby, could really excel.

"I want to give those boys the opportunity to play against good teams at good grounds and enjoy the experience."