There
must have been mixed feelings in Redruth's camp when it was announced early in
2006 that big Sam, along with wing Lewis Vinnicombe, was about to join our ranks.
Nonetheless, David Penberthy, Team Manager of the 'Reds', stated that their club
was very proud of the two players, expecting them to improve still further as
full-time professionals.
A
busy summer lay ahead for Sam, who then weighed 21 stones (ish!), it a period
when this former Mylor Bridge boat-builder swapped pasties for pasta, his dedication
rewarded perhaps earlier that many had expected. He made his National One debut
when replacing the injured Dan Seal in our opening league game against Otley,
and matured so quickly that just a month later he was our adjudged 'Man of the
Match' against Newbury.
As
a member of Cornwall U18s, U20s, and then the senior team, Sam always had the
potential to make the step up, being an especially effective ball carrier whose
sporting heroes are England Rugby World Cup winning props (surprise), Cornishmen
Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman,
Playing
23 matches in his first season in National One would have been a great learning
curve for him, and if he continues to apply himself in the manner thus shown then
hopefully it'll be onwards and upwards with the Cornish Pirates to realise his
rugby ambition of playing at the best level he can.
Sam
received the club's 'Most Improved Player' award in 2007.
