Pirates finally get green light after long rain delay

AFTERweeksof incessant rain, Cornish Pirates finally host their first game in 2018.

Since the Pirates last played at Mennaye Field on New Year’s Eve, two fixtures had to be postponed.

Today’s rearranged game against third-placed Yorkshire Carnegie sees a number of changes to the Pirates lineup. Alex O’Meara and Harry Strong named as the wing pairing, Chris Morgan selected alongside Brett Beukeboom in the second row and John Stevens at openside flanker.

Player/coach Alan Paver, who is on the bench, said: “We have had a lot, a lot of water on the pitch this winter and the ground staff have done a fine job to even at times get it close to being playable.

“Yorkshire Carnegie, who have done well in the league, beat us narrowly 2826 in October and they first and foremost pride themselves on their set play.

“We know we’re going to have a bit of a wrestle there, and they also have good players to play an expansive game. With their balance they can cause sides a lot of trouble.”

Yorkshire Carnegie head coach James Lowes has named an unchanged side as they look to build on their hard-earned win over Richmond last Sunday.

Lowes keeps the same XV for the first time this season and there is only one enforced changed on the bench with James Thraves coming in for Charlie Beech, who is ruled out through concussion.

Fred Burdon is also unavailable due to a head injury whilst full-back Chris Elder will complete his three-match suspension this week and will miss the clash with the Pirates.