THE Cornish Pirates are ready to set sail on
their maiden voyage, their destination tomorrow (2.30pm), National League One
newcomers Doncaster.
After a busy summer both on and off the
field, Pirates coach Jim McKay was in bullish mood yesterday as he side prepared
for the big kick-off.
With a string of new faces added to his playing
squad, plus notable additions to his backroom staff as well, the Australian believes
he has a set up in place capable of pushing for top honours this season.
Never one to make any bold predictions, McKay insists his only real prediction
for the season is to improve on last year. A best-ever finish of fourth capped
a fine debut season in charge for the Aussie coach, but already he has set himself
bigger and better goals.
Just like ambitious club president Richard
Evans, McKay harbours a dream of leading the Cornish club into English rugby's
top flight. And having bolstered his playing resources with the additions of Duncan
Roke, Shaun James, Paul Jones, Richard Welding, Dan Parkes and Joe Beardshaw,
such a dream could well become reality in the not too distant future.
"I'm
really looking forward to the start of the season," said an excited McKay yesterday.
"We've had a long, hard pre-season, but we drew a line down on that last week
and season journey has started. It's game on from now."
Doncaster
provide the Pirates with their first test tomorrow, before Newbury - also promoted
from National Two last season - next on the agenda and also away.
The
club's first home game at their new temporary stadium at Kenwyn, near Truro will
be on Sunday, September 18 when Rotherham are the visitors.
Work
on the stadium is continuing at pace, but it is on field matters that are keeping
McKay occupied.
" Doncaster are a new side into our division, so
they are a kind of unknown quantity in some respects. That said, they've added
a lot of new faces over the summer and it's their first game in National One,
so I'm sure they'll be pretty pumped for the game.
"For us, Saturday
marks the start of what is going to be a very long journey for us. The season
is a marathon, 26 games, and if you want to be up there among the leading contenders
you have to perform week in, week out."
McKay's plans have been hampered
by injuries to a number of his squad. Lodewyk Hattingh, Wade Kelly, Gavin Cattle,
Nick Adams, Paul Jones and Nick Makin all miss out, but there are debuts for Beardshaw,
Roke and Welding.
Promising youngster Sam Betty - one of four players
the club has signed through the Cornish Rugby Academy - is included on the bench
for the first time.
Despite the injuries, McKay is still able to
field a formidable looking line-up. Indeed, he says it is a testimony to the work
carried out in the summer that the club travel in such good stead.
"There
is a real depth to our squad now compared to last season," said McKay. "Although
we've lost a few boys for this weekend, we are still very strong and very confident.
The pleasing point for me as coach is - when those guys get fit again we'll have
lots of people available for selection. It's up to those in the side now to make
sure they hold onto their jersey."
Doncaster - who are coached by
one-time Pirates target Pieter Muller - are likely to include in their squad Ryan
Peacey and Duncan Murray, both of whom were with the Cornish club last season.
Cornish Pirates: W Davies; R Welding, D Roke, K James, M Jess; L
Jarvis, R McAtee; A Paver, P Ince, D Seal; W James, J Beardshaw; J Bearman, I
Motusaga, M Evans. Replacements: S James, T Barlow, R Westren, S Betty, T Cowley,
V Ma'asi, D Parkes.
