We caught up with Tom Spiller, 1st team captain ahead of next month's home derby against Penryn. The derby kicks off at 2.30pm on 16th November at the Rec.
When was your first match against Penryn?
My first taste of a rugby match v Penryn was Boxing day 2004 as a 17 year old when we were plying our trade in Cornwall/Devon whilst Penryn were 3 leagues higher in South West 1.
What were the other memorable games?
I would get my first league game against Penryn in 08/09 as Penryn came down from Western Counties looking to bounce straight back up, this they did. Beating Falmouth 60-8 and 50-3 that year. We wouldn’t meet again in the league until the infamous 16/17 season where we finally achieved promotion from Cornwall and Devon after 14 years in the division. Beating Penryn at The Memorial ground 6-24 and then at The Recreation ground 13-10. Beating them on their turf in the league is probably my favourite! Very good times!!
How many times have you played them over the years?
This season will probably be my 20th competitive fixture against Penryn excluding cup games. I have played with and against some very good players in this fixture, making lifelong friendships and probably the odd enemy along the way.
What does next month's game mean to you? Why should people come and watch?
This should be a cracking fixture with both teams knowing what is at stake, league points are most important but also bragging rights. This fixture means a lot to a great deal of people, but me personally I am representing my hometown against our nearest rivals and I could not imagine not giving anything less than 110% in these games. You seem to find another gear. People often say, if you cut me open I would be black and white, I would not have it any other way!! Whatever your colour, come and support YOUR club!!
