Relton’s try seals bonus for unbeaten Pirates
CORNISH Pirates made it four Cup wins in a row with wing Arthur Relton scoring in the 78th minute to secure the sought after bonus point.
Pirates coach Gavin Cattle said: “Our continuity was terrible, despite our set piece having a massive foothold, especially early in the game and we just looked lethargic between transitions.
“The skill error was also high, we were unable to string phases together, and we just didn’t get what we should out of our maul. However, getting four tries and the bonus point provided welcome positives.”
Pirates fly-half Harry Bazalgette opened the scoring with an early penalty as the home side dominated early on, with hooker Morgan Nelson and Royal Marine man of the match lock Josh Williams, who were both making their first competitive match starts for the Pirates, impressing.
Williams’ second row partner Will Britton also got in the act, and following a potent catch and drive at the Newlyn gate corner he scored the first try.
The game lacked much flow with too many errors being made, although Richmond’s half-backs James Lennon and Alex Burrage used their possession well and flanker Miles Wakeling was always busy.
Forward dominance led to the Pirates increasing their lead before the break, when from another catch and drive on the right it was prop Harvey Beaton who powered over for a converted try.
Two minutes into the second half Richmond winger Zuriel Makele gathered a cross field kick to score an unconverted try.
Richmond showed their defensive qualities to hold Pirates out until the 66th minute when they at last moved the ball successfully wide for replacement Carwyn Penny to score.
The visitors hit back with a try from replacement hooker Joe Vajner, but with the home crowd urging them on, Pirates conjured up their all-important late score. Replacement debutant scrum-half Ali Stacey and Penny were involved in a move down the left and Relton made it to line to register his fourth try in the competition this season. In the process, it confirmed that the Pirates are still very much on target for a semi-final place.