Pirates head to Trailfinders knowing victory could land them title

NEXT up for the Cornish Pirates is what has the potential to be a Championship title decider away to Ealing Trailfinders today (3pm).

Doncaster Knights, who have one more game left to play, presently top the table with 72 points acquired from 19 matches, Ealing Trailfinders are second (70 from 18), and the Cornish Pirates third (69 from 18).

The Pirates won 15-12 against the Trailfinders when the teams met at the Mennaye Field in October, whilst on their last league match visit to the Trailfinders Sports Ground, in West Ealing back in September 2018, they lost 41-35.

For a game whereby in reality there is little else to say, as that is something the sides will be keen to express in action on the pitch today, the Pirates side shows five personnel changes to last weekend’s starting line-up.

Marlen Walker starts at loose-head prop, while fit again duo Danny Cutmore and Antonio Kiri Kiri return at lock and openside flanker respectively.

In the backs there is also a return for winger AJ Cant and Joe Elderkin will partner Tommy Wyatt in the centre.

“Obviously we know a big challenge lays in wait on Saturday, where we will be playing on a fast pitch.” Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said.

“The Trailfinders have a big physical side, though we have shown in our previous fixture that we can match that physicality, or even bettered it and got on the right side of the scoreline. However, to do it on their own patch we would have to be on the top of our game and against a team that are still the league favourites.”

Cornish Pirates: Carwyn Penny, Robin Wedlake, Tommy Wyatt, Joe Elderkin11, AJ Cant, Arwel Robson, Alex Schwarz; Marlen Walker, Tom Channon, Alfie Petch, Josh Caulfield, Danny Cutmore, Matt Bolwell, Antonio Kiri Kiri, Tom Duncan (captain). Replacements: Syd Blackmore, Jack Andrew, Sam Rodman, Cory Teague, Will Gibson, Tom Kessell, Shae Tucker, Callum Sirker.