Cornish Pirates

After three home league games played at Kenwyn, the Cornish Pirates returned to their ancestral Mennaye Field home last Saturday for their opening cup game of the season, a fifth round Powergen National Trophy tie against Yorkshire side Wharfedale.

It was a second visit to the far south-west for the National 2 outfit, the ‘Dalesmen’ considering the distance travelled as being akin to a trip to Tierra Del Fuego! The Pirates gave respect to their opponents by selecting a strong starting line-up, the only major change giving scrum-half Neil Chivers a chance to impress in place of Gavin Cattle, who was deservedly due a rest after being in tremendous form once again this season.

It was a dull, damp 5th. of November afternoon, the smaller than usual crowd no doubt
hoping that the Pirates would deliver some sparklers to light up the occasion, their wish appearing soon to be granted. Chivers made the early snipe, his venture into the Newlyn half supported by lock Will James and then skipper Joe Bearman who crossed for an opening try at the Newlyn gate corner in only the second minute.

It was a start reminiscent to the one the Cornish Pirates had against Sedgley Park at Kenwyn the previous week, their opponents soon under the cosh once more. Twice the Pirates were held up on the line, it soon being third time luck though when powerhouse centre Kevin James scored a try converted by fly-half Lee Jarvis. Then,

in what seemed no time at all, it was a total repeat, a James-Jarvis combination putting the Pirates 19-0 up in only the thirteenth minute.

The difference between National 1 and National 2 level was clear for all to see, but to their credit Wharfedale were certainly willing to give it a go. Fly-half and captain Andrew Baggett proved himself to be a smooth operator, whilst their try-scoring

machine centre Chris Malherbe showed his strength in midfield. The Wharfedale eight also looked more and more able as the half progressed, No. 8 Rob Baldwin and lock David Lister securing clean ball at the line-out.

Midway through the first half centre Mark Bedworth had a simple chance to put some points on the board for his side, but the attempt was scuffed to the left.

Whether it was now foot off the pedal stuff from the Pirates, it was difficult to say, it being an occasion perhaps to admire at this stage the spirit shown by the visiting Greens. The Pirates did manage to hit back once more when Kevin James completed his hat-trick , but Wharfedale immediately responded to once again show their character.

Bedworth was unlucky with his second penalty attempt, this time from long range, but after Baggett popped a pass to flanker Sam Allen he backed up to score a try to the left of the Penznce posts which also converted.

The Pirates started the seond half almost identically as they had the first, the inspirational Bearman again the scorer.

Flanker Chris Morgan and prop Dan Parkes were conspicuous in making the
hard yards which led to the Pirates setting up camp in the scoreboard corner.

Another score looked likely following a series of wheeled scrummages, but
Wharfedale held the danger and kicked clear to half-way.
A flurry of replacements made by both teams gave an opportunity for the home
crowd to extend a hearty welcome to flanker Iva Motusaga, returning from injury,
and lock Heino Senekal who has recently played for Namibia. Both wasted
no time in getting back into the thick of the action.
It appeared fresh legs allowed the Pirates get back on track, helped when a loose pass
by Wharfedale was snapped up by wing Matt Jess who sped over for a try converted
by replacement fly-half Tom Barlow.
Replacement Chris Meehan, Baggett and Bedworth featured in a flowing movement
which looked as if Wharfedale would get a second score, but it was not to be, full
-back Wes Davies breaking out of defence for young Aussie flanker Simon Hockings
to get on the scoresheet once again in the very last seconds.
It might have been the 5th. November, but there were no real fireworks, that
eventuality no doubt reserved for another day.

Scorers:
Cornish Pirates – tries, K. James (3), Bearman (2), Jess, Hockings; cons, Jarvis (2), Barlow.
Wharfedale – try, Bedworth; con, Bedworth.

Cornish Pirates – W. Davies, R. McAtee, S. James (J.Pritchard 39), K. James,
M. Jess, L.Javis (T. Barlow 50), N. Chivers, J. Bearman ©, C. Morgan
(I. Motusaga 60), S. Hockings, J. Beardshaw, W. James (H. Senekal 64),
D. Seal, N. Makin (P. Ince), D. Parkes.
Replacements (not used) – G. Cattle, A. Paver.

Wharfedale – A. Whaites, G. Thompson, C. Malherbe, M. Bedworth, S. Horsfall (C. Meehan 60), A. Baggett ©, J. Doherty (J. Newton 65), R.Baldwin, S. Allen (R. Lednor 65), A. Allen, O. Renton (G. Lodge 48), D. Lister, N. Dickinson (F. Lovatt 34), G. Hindle ((S. Graham), C. Ingram.
Replacement (not used) – J. Lawn.

Referee – Mr. Richard Draper – RFU.