Youthful Pirates head to Doncaster

WITH the pressure of the league behind them, after in reached its conclusion last weekend, the Cornish Pirates will travel to play the first leg of their first round draw in the Championship Cup away against Doncaster Knights (2.30pm).

The side selected, to be skippered by back rower Matt Bolwell, is one littered with young talent, all keen to give a good account of themselves.

For one, replacement Bear Williams, if he makes an appearance then the occasion mark his first outing for the Cornish Pirates in a competitive fixture.

Ahead of today’s Cup match encounter, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said: “Having selected an exciting young team with fresh faces to travel up to Doncaster, we are just looking forward to getting stuck in.

“The Cup competition is something we’d obviously like to do well in and at the same provide opportunity and see development from guys who have trained hard and been very patient.

“It is felt that the team selected is a strong side, and one capable of winning games to hopefully see us through to the next round.”

Cornish Pirates: AJ Cant, Robin Wedlake, Shae Tucker, Joe Elderkin, Callum Sirker, Harry Bazalgette, Ruaridh Dawson, Garyn Phillips, Tom Channon, Sam Rodman, Cory Teague, Danny Cutmore, Matt Bolwell (capt), Will Gibson, Antonio Kiri Kiri. Replacements: Marlen Walker, Olly Adkins, Hayden King, Ed Scragg, Bear Williams, Alex Schwarz, Tommy Wyatt, Carwyn Penny.

Supporters should note that BBC Radio Cornwall are unable to broadcast full match coverage today, however there will be regular ‘live’ updates from the ground provided by Arwel Robson.

In National One, Plymouth Albion face one of the longest journeys in domestic rugby union this weekend with the mammoth trip north to face Darlington Mowden Park.

With only two players on the bench, Albion really are running on fumes as the season reaches an extraordinary climax.

Both sides will see this game as of huge importance as they lie nine and 11 points clear of second bottom Leeds. The Yorkshiremen play Tonbridge this weekend and should take the points.

In National Two south, Redruth are at home to Rochford Hundred, the first of four games that they have remaining this campaign.