Exeter United 5
Cornish Pirates /AcademyDevelopment XV 34 04/12/06 Despite
the often horrible weather experienced to date this season, supporters have still
been able to witness some fine games of rugby, as was the case on Monday evening
when this match was played at Exeter's impressive new Sandy Park Stadium. Playing
the first half with the wind and rain on their backs, it was vital that the Cornish
side took advantage of the elements in the first period, which they did with telling
effect. Hooker Darren Dawiduik, who had made his National
1 debut as a replacement against Waterloo the day before, scored two tries, with
one a piece also for prop Grant Anderson and livewire scrum-half Rhodri Wells.
Fly-half Mike Provis, in fine kicking form all night, slotted
three conversions and a penalty, whilst in reply the United team managed just
one try scored by No. 8 Jamie Fleming. Besides Dawidiuk,
young open-side flanker Duke Seymour was an outstanding performer and Fijian prop
Ravuama Samo an effective ball carrier. Conditions underfoot
were unbelievably good, but playing into the strong wind in the second half meant
that Academy coaches Robin Cowling and Ricky Pellow had to make sure that their
charges applied the right tactics demanded in the second forty, and they need
never have worried. The Cornish Pirates representatives
kept things tight, refused to kick away any ball, and all but denied the hosts
any possession for the first twenty minutes. The team showed immense control,
the opportunity also taken to introduce younger players to proceedings from the
bench. The Exeter side were understandably frustrated, being
denied any second half points, the Pirates completing a good evening's work when
skipper and No. 8 Adam Nicholls crossed the line for his team's fifth and last
try of the night. Scorers:- Exeter - try: Fleming. Pirates
Tries: Dawidiuk (2), Anderson, Wells, Nicholls Cons: Provis (3); pen: Provis. Pirates
Team L. Webb, A. Waller, O. Faulkner, S. Parsons, L. Vinnicombe, M. Provis,
R. Wells, A. Nicholls (c) D. Seymour, M. Rawlings, S. Hobson, S. McLean, R.
Samo, D. Dawidiuk, G. Anderson. Replacements (all used) G. Tedstone,
L. Varney, S. Black, J. Eddy, N. Hitchens, S. Bryant, J. Morrison. |