Cornish Pirates

CORNISH Pirates coach Jim McKay says he is confident that new signings Lewis Vinnicombe and Sam Heard will make the successful step up into National League One next season.

The Redruth pair - both of whom featured in Wednesday night's Cornwall Cup Final defeat against Launceston - yesterday completed their moves to the Pirates and will link-up with their new club in time for pre-season.

Both players joined Redruth in their mid-teens, progressing through the club's highly-successful Colts set-up and into the National Leagues, where under the guidance of Nigel Hambly and David Penberthy, they have established themselves as key components in the Reds line-up.

Coach Hambly admits the loss of both players will be a big void to fill in his team, but he admits he is "delighted" to see the talent of both players rewarded with a move into the full-time game.

"I'm delighted for both of them, they're great lads," said Hambly last night. "Myself, Dave and the club have pushed them all the way and now this is their chance to make that step up.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for both Lewis and Sam to develop their game. They both have lots to learn still, but by going full-time and being in that professional environment, I'm sure they will make a good go of things."

Certainly Pirates head coach McKay is looking forward to welcoming the two into his playing ranks for next season. The Australian said: "It's fantastic to have them on board for next season. They are both raw talents in terms of professional, full-time rugby, but from what we know and have seen of both of them, we're confident they'll have no problems making the step up in levels.

"Lewis is a real athlete who knows how to attack the opposition and score tries, while Sam has a lot of raw power which we feel could be a real asset.

"For sure both of them have plenty to work on in their games, but if we provide them with the right medicine, then I think they can really develop as players."

Certainly 21-year-old Vinnicombe is relishing the chance to step up another rung on the league ladder. He said: "I've played against National One sides before, so I know a little bit what the standard is like. Skill-wise I thought I did OK against Exeter this year, I just need to work more on my strength and my fitness."

Under the guidance of Hambly, Penberthy and the other coaches at Redruth, the pair have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, a fact not lost on Vinnicombe, who earlier this season was called-up by the England Counties squad to tour France.

"I can't thank Nigel and Dave enough," added Vinnicombe. "They gave me my chance in the National Leagues - and they gave me the stepping stone I needed to move on. I've had a great time at Redruth, but this is a massive opportunity for me and for Sam."

Like Vinnicombe, Heard is looking forward to the new challenge ahead. The powerhouse prop said: "It's going to be a good challenge, but you have to go into it confident and believe that you can make that step up."

However, while the Pirates - who face Plymouth Albion on Monday - are welcoming the Reds duo on board for next term, McKay was last night resigning himself to losing another of his current squad after top try-scorer Richard Welding - who signed last summer from Sedgley Park - agreed a move to Premiership side Leeds.

Welding is the sixth Pirate to head for pastures new next season. Earlier this week fly-half Tom Barlow agreed to join Nottingham, while prop Nick Adams penned a two-year deal with London Wasps. Also departing are Will James (Gloucester), Joe Bearman and Matt Jess (both Newport-Gwent Dragons)