Western Morning News (Saturday)
Cornish Pirates set for league opener to relish
THE Cornish Pirates start their RFU Championship league campaign today when they host Richmond at the Mennaye Field.
Supporters should note that the match kicks-off at the earlier-thanusual-time of 1.30pm.
The challenge of Richmond is one that cannot be taken lightly, with the visitors having recruited well in the close season and enjoyed a successful pre-season with warm-up victories over Ampthill (26-7) and London Scottish 17-13).
The Pirates, who also go into the match on the back of two worthy pre-season friendlies, will be captained by No. 8 Tom Duncan, and making their first league appearances in a Pirates’ shirt will be prop James Kenny, flanker Will Gibson, wing Callum Sirker and full-back Carwyn Penny. Waiting on the bench for his call wil be prop Alfie Petch.
Speaking ahead of the game, Cornish Pirates’ joint head Gavin Cattle has said: “Richmond have clearly recruited well and in players such as Mark Bright, Will Carrick Smith, and Will Homer they have a core of expesupporters rienced players.
“We are expecting an entertaining and hard-fought encounter which supporters now back at the Mennaye will relish.
“Although the average age of our squad is down considerably, we have exciting new players who are all keen to impress. Their enthusiasm is good for the team and the club.
“Such cycles come and go but what I think is important is that we maintain our identity, which is very much still a strong one.”
Tickets for the game will be available at the gates (open 11.30am).
Following the match, the Pirates Amateurs take on Tavistock in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League (KO 3.30pm).
Cornish Pirates: 15 Carwyn Penny, 14 Callum Sirker, 13 Tommy Wyatt, 12 Shae Tucker, 11 AJ Cant, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Ruaridh Dawson; 1 James Kenny, 2 Tom Channon, 3 Patrick Schickerling, 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Danny Cutmore, 6 Matt Bolwell, 7 Will Gibson, 8 Tom Duncan (captain). Replacements: 16 Marlen Walker, 17 Jack Andrew, 18 Alfie Petch, 19 Cory Teague, 20 John Stevens, 21 Alex Schwarz, 22 Harry Bazalgette, 23 Rory Parata.