Big respect all round as Pirates plot response
CORNISH Pirates are still ‘smarting’ from last weekend’s 37-18 defeat at Hartpury as they prepare to take on the league favourites at the Mennaye Field.
Trailfinders had a bye week last week but opened their season with a 54-20 victory over Hartpury and Pirates joint head Gavin Cattle knows they must show vast improvements.
Cattle said: “Firstly, putting aside the performance away to Hartpury will be our aim, as we have been smarting since then.
“We know we have a big challenge ahead of us against Ealing but what better than to be facing the league favourites. The good thing about sport is that it does give you an opportunity to bounce back, as difficult as that might be.
“Ealing are a team that demand respect as the big boys of the league, so we will have to be at our tip top best to have a chance of achieving a result against such a side.”
Sara Cox, who at the Mennaye Field in 2018 became the first woman to take charge of a Championship game, will referee the match having last week become the first woman to take charge of a Premiership league contest when Harlequins faced Worcester.
Cattle added: “Mentioning the word respect, we are delighted for Sara Cox for her achievement last weekend. It was fully deserved recognition and in a game like this week’s we will all be delighted to have her presence.”
Changes in the Cornish Pirates starting line-up sees Tommy Wyatt moved to the right wing, with Joe Elderkin selected at inside centre, while scrum-half Tom Kessell will be making his first league start since returning to the club.
Senior players, prop Jack Andrew and wing Alex O’Meara return to the match day squad and take their places on the bench.
For Ealing, looseheadDylan Smith will make his first start for the club, with the rest of the tight five retaining their positions – Jan-Henning Campher and Kyle Whyte complete the front row and Bobby de Wee and Harry Casson pack down behind them.
Despite getting on the scoresheet in the victory over Hartpury, Malon AlJiboori makes way for Max Northcote-Green at blindside, Simon Uzokwe starts at openside and Rayn Smid once again captains the side from No.8.
The half-backs and centres all remain the same for Trailfinders’ second match of the campaign.
Wing James CordyRedden is set to play his first match for Ealing since May 1 with the rest of the back three unchanged.