Cornish Pirates

Mark Stevens talks with Jonny Hylton

CORNISH Pirates winger Jon Hylton believes a title push for the Guinness Premiership is well within the grasp of his new club, who kick-off their new season at home to Otley this Sunday.

The 25-year-old joined the Pirates in the summer from top flight club Worcester, where he was part of the all-conquering Warriors side that stormed to the National League One title in the 2003-04 season. Hylton played 17 times during that season, scoring six tries for the Midlanders, who went the whole of that league campaign unbeaten. However, a knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Leinster the following campaign forced the Epsom-born speedster to spend much of the following year on the sidelines. However, having worked his way back to full fitness, Hylton put behind him 13 months of injury hell and returned to action in Worcester 's opening Premiership game of last season against Gloucester.

He featured in several of Worcester's opening fixtures, but his run in the first team was soon curtailed and for much of the season he played a bit-part in John Brain's plans, featuring in just 11 league and cup games.

Hylton knew he needed a change and following his release from Sixways, he had little hesitation in heading due West to link-up with former Worcester team-mates Duncan Roke, Rhodri McAtee and Matt Evans, all of whom have become popular figures among the Pirates faithful.

Now Hylton is looking to follow suit and help his new club in their pursuit of playing in English rugby's top tier.

"I had a great time at Worcester, my injury was obviously the low point, but now that's gone my focus is on enjoying my rugby down here.

"It's a great bunch of boys in the squad and if we can play to our potential, then I think we can achieve something special this season."

However, Hylton knows for the Pirates to realise their dream, a great deal of hard work will need to be put in.

"When we were at Worcester we went unbeaten for a whole season in the league," he added. "I don't think that will ever happen again because the standard of Division One rugby is going up all the time.

"The division has become a real feeding ground for up-and-coming Premiership players. There are some very good youngsters playing in the division, mixed with some real experienced guys. It's a tough league these days and we are well aware of that."

A testing opening fixture against Otley awaits Hylton and his fellow Pirates, who will be looking to get their campaign off to a flying start at their new Camborne home.

Like the Pirates, who have added a number of new faces over the summer months, Otley have also recruited well. Among their new signings are former Pirates Dave Whitehead and Neil Chivers, while former Plymouth Albion prop Neil Chivers has also been added.

Meanwhile, one man who will not be in the Otley line-up this weekend is experienced scrum-half Dave Scully, who has signed for National One rivals Doncaster.

The 41-year-old, who has been described by his new coach as the "Teddy Sheringham of rugby" was surprisingly released by Otley at the end of last season following three seasons at Cross Green.

That news alerted Doncaster coach Clive Griffiths, who wasted little time in drafting in the former Rotherham and Wakefield number nine.

Griffiths said of his new acquisition: "He is one of the fittest guys in the game and he has experience of the game that will be of great value to us.

He knows that he will have to fight for his place in the team but there will be difficult games ahead where his experience will be important to us. He is also a Level 2 RFU qualified coach who can offer the squad more than just as a player."