Pirates aim to build on win at Ampthill

CORNISH Pirates are at home to Coventry this afternoon, with the seventh versus third in a Championship contest kicking off at the earlier time of 1.30pm, writes Phil Westren.

Coventry are the visitors today and having lost to them 32-19 in the away encounter, played last October, the Pirates will be keen to gain revenge against a side who are enjoying a fine season.

There are some changes in the starting XV, some forced from the team that faced Ampthill last week - and won in such style. There are returns for lock Cory Teague, loosehead prop Marlen Walker and wing Tommy Wyatt, who both saw action there as replacements.

Lock Steele Barker, who had made his league debut off the bench, will also now make his first league start, whilst fresh faces returning on the bench are those of Ollie Adkins and Joe Elderkin.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s encounter, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: “The present Coventry side is probably the most improved team in the Championship this season.

“They have been consistent in terms of results, play a good brand of rugby, whilst we know we have to step up our game in certain areas. We will also aim, as always, to at home apply our game on them.

“Our recent results should give us confidence, but we know that following the Cup games and our match last week, this will be a tougher challenge.

“It will be important to get our energy levels right, and expecting momentum swings in the game we need to be ready.”

Also, immediately following the match, the Pirates Amateurs are scheduled to play Counties 1 Tribute Western West league leaders Topsham in a third versus first clash. Kickoff is at 3.30pm

Cornish Pirates: AJ Cant, Arthur Relton, Rory Parata, Garyn Smith, Tommy Wyatt, Arwel Robson, Alex Schwarz; Marlen Walker, Will Crane, Matt Johnson, Steele Barker, Cory Teague, Alex Everett, Will Gibson, John Stevens. Replacements: Morgan Nelson, Ollie Adkins, Harvey Beaton, Will Britton, Jarrard Hayler, Ruaridh Dawson, Harry Bazalgette, Joe Elderkin.