Western Morning News (Saturday)
Pirates looking forward to a test against Blues
THE Cornish Pirates will welcome Bedford Blues to the Mennaye Field on today, in the quarter-final of the Championship Cup.
The first Leg encounter in Round two of the competition, which the Pirates qualified for as one of two clubs in the competition with a best losing playing record from Round one, promises to be the usual entertaining and likely high-scoring affair.
The Pirates make just one change in their pack from the one that started in the 32-20 defeat at home to Doncaster Knights last Saturday, with prop Jack Andrew set to make his 199th appearance for the club.
In the backs, Carwyn Penny returns to the side at full-back, AJ Cant and Tommy Wyatt are this week selected on the wings, whilst club captain Nicolas De Battista and Rory Parata will form the centre pairing.
Looking ahead to today’s Cup match encounter, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented: “We keenly await Saturday’s game, because we know Bedford invariably play in positive fashion and are an exciting team to test ourselves against.
“Look at them over the past decade and it is in their DNA, therefore it is something we’ll aim to match in a likely fast contest where the ball will be in play for a lot of the time – though it hopefully not too chaotic!”
Gavin added: “The fixture also gives us a chance to look at different combinations, besides providing game time for certain personnel, and from our perspective overall it is a good Cup clash to have, both for the teams and the supporters.”
Meanwhile the Pirates have confirmed the first of their resigns for next season, they can confirm that prop forward Jack Andrew has put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
Since signing for the Pirates back in 2013, Cornishman Jack, now aged 31, has to date made 198 appearances for the club as the most experienced member in the squad.
Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver, who is delighted to have captured Jack’s signature once more, has commented:
“It is fantastic news that someone with Jack’s experience has signed for us again.
“Jack knows the Pirates way, the Pirates culture, and has been a huge force for the club both on and off the pitch. We are delighted to see him here for another year.”
That was quickly followed by the news that prop Marlen Walker has also signed a one-year contract.
A former New Zealand Secondary Schools player, Auckland-born
Marlen, aged 33, joined the Cornish Pirates back in 2015 when in February that year he was quick to make his mark. Indeed, after being introduced off the bench he helped the team record a memorable 45-38 points win against Bristol and has since taken his games tally for the club to 147.
Commenting reference Marlen signing for another year, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said:
“To have Marlen with us next season is excellent news. He has proved himself a truly talented front-rower and is also someone who is a pleasure to work with.
“Marlen has vast experience, and he doesn’t hold back from sharing that with the young guys coming through, which is invaluable.”
Alan added: “He has obviously made Cornwall his home with his young family, and we are delighted.”
The Cornish Pirates then confirmed their first new signing for the 2022/23 season.
Solihull-born hooker Will Crane, aged 28, is the player named who has signed a oneyear contract and joins from Championship rivals Hartpury where he was a try-scorer in their 37-18 win against the Pirates last September.
Having previously played for Birmingham & Solihull, Moseley, and Excelsior Blues in New
Zealand, Will has been with Hartpury for five years. He has captained the side and was a member of the England Students squad during the ‘Covid’ year. Also, during the interrupted 2019/20 season he featured as a replacement for Gloucester Rugby away to Exeter Chiefs.
Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver, who is looking forward to welcoming Will on board, has commented:
“Will is an experienced Championship player who has been an amazing contributor for Hartpury but is now looking to make that next step into a fulltime environment.
“His decision is one that fits nicely for him, and for us, and although he will miss Hartpury and they will miss him, we are looking forward to introducing him into our squad.”
Will also said: “I am very excited to be joining the Cornish Pirates and can’t wait to get down there and get stuck in.
“It is a great opportunity for me at this stage of my career and I’m also naturally looking to explore the wonderful county of Cornwall and to take up surfing again.”
Tickets for Saturday’s fixture will be available at the gates on the day (open 12.30pm), whilst in the meantime they can also be purchased on-line. For further information please visit: www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets