Cornish Pirates

CORNISH Pirates coach Jim McKay is in upbeat mood ahead of this weekend's opening day fixture against newly-promoted Doncaster.

Having warmed up with wins over Launceston and Redruth - and put in a highly creditable showing against Celtic League side the Newport-Gwent Dragons, McKay believes his team are in fine fettle ahead of their trip to Yorkshire.

"Pre-season has gone very well and we've spent a lot of time making sure that we hit this weekend running," said the Australian. "Everyone is looking forward to the start of the season, but at this stage we're not making any bold predictions about just what we are going to do this year.

"We've added a few new faces over the summer and the boys are looking good. Doncaster will be a good test for us this weekend, they are new to the league this season so we don't know a great deal about them, but they have brought in quite a few new guys themselves, so it will be good to see how they go."

McKay's planning for the weekend is not helped by injuries to Gavin Cattle, Wade Kelly and Lodewyk Hattingh. However, none are thought to be serious and the trio are expected back in action soon.

Summer signings Dan Parkes, Joe Beardshaw, Paul Jones, Shaun James, Richard Welding and Duncan Roke are all likely to feature in some capacity, while Matt Evans is back in contention having spent much of last season sidelined with a horrific leg injury.