BEARMAN BIDS A FOND FAREWELL/ 02-05-2006
The all-action back-row forward played a starring role after scoring the team's first try, then capped a fitting end to his stay in the Duchy by claiming the President's player of the year award ahead of his move to Celtic League side Newport-Gwent Dragons. After nine years in a Pirates jersey, Bearman was understandably overwhelmed by the occasion, but expressed his affection and gratitude as he stepped off the Mennaye for the last time. "It was really good, I enjoyed it all," said Bearman. "I'll miss the boys and the crowd. I came down here when I was 18 and it's been brilliant. It's been made that way by the crowd and all the players and I've really enjoyed it. "I've grown up playing rugby here so I'll definitely miss it and hope that I fit in well in Wales. Although hopefully I'll be back in a couple of years." It's been a long and prosperous journey for both the Pirates and Bearman, rising up from the Western Counties West division all the way to National League One in one of modern rugby's greatest success stories. Bearman, who has made more than 120 National League appearances in Pirates' colours said that he had seen many great days over the years, each one very special. "There are hundreds of games that I could mention, I can't name any individually, but this has been the best team we've had here over the years, so I've really enjoyed it and I'll miss everyone," he added. It promises to be a completely new way of life for Bearman who has always enjoyed living and working in Cornwall, but he's decided that now was the right time to move for the benefit of his career. "I'll miss the surfing and going down the beach and stuff, but you have to make sacrifices sometimes for sake of your career," he said Bearman still hopes to see the Pirates make it to the top flight and repeatedly mentioned that he would like to return if and when the day arrives. "I've got about five years left [in the game]. I love Penzance, but it's not in the Premiership, the highest league in this country. "I just wanted to do the best I can and play in the best league I can - that's why I've left really. I'm going to Wales hopefullyto better pastures. We'll see how it goes." The Pirates are still a growing force, however, and finished in third place, their highest-ever position in the National Leagues. A place in the top Premiership is the club's main aim, but the last few steps are often the hardest and Bearman's ambitions can no longer wait on hold. Bearman's coach for the last two seasons Jim McKay had nothing but praise for the departing hero and respected his wishes to test himself at a higher level. He said: "Joe's been here nine years and what's been good is that he's stepped up to each level. He's outgrown us now, as have some of the other guys, and that's a reflection of our success, particularly in the last two years. They go with our best wishes and I think it will be good for Joe to prove himself in a different environment." Whoever McKay finds to replace Bearman, he will have a hard act to follow. Indeed, should the man he chooses succeed in helping the Pirates to the Premiership, he may find stiff competition speeding back from the Principality. |
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