| Pirates 'Maid' to work for win in the Hood | ||||
Nottingham
20 (10) Cornish Pirates 24 (21) A SIXTH successive league victory ensured the Cornish Pirates will head into this Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with the Earth Titans as the form side in National League One. Jim McKay's Pirates were never at their best against hosts Nottingham on Sunday, but the Cornish club still had enough in the tank to seal a win, which helped lift them back into second spot in the standings, just a point behind their Yorkshire hosts. Having trailed to an early penalty from former Pirate Tom Barlow, the visitors hit back well to lead 18-3 in almost as many minutes. However, instead of building on their opening half advantage, which was 21-10 by the turn, the Duchy's finest were guilty of far too many handling mistakes after the break and with it the chance of a bonus point was spurned.
For McKay, though, this victory in the heartland of Robin Hood was just the tonic the Aussie and his team needed ahead of Saturday's 'Clash with the Titans'. The Pirates chief took the opportunity of running his eye over Andre Bester's side during their 14-11 loss at Plymouth Albion on Saturday. Not surprisingly, McKay was impressed by what he saw from his former club. "Saturday is going to be a very big test for us, but it's a game we're very much looking forward to," said McKay. "We know what's at stake and it's a good opportunity for us. We'll work hard this week in preparation for that game and hopefully that will stand us in good stead." Part of that build-up will include the Cornish outfit setting up base in the Midlands in a bid to cut out yet another long trek up the motorways. "It's a bit different to normal, but it won't change the way we prepare for the game itself. We will be fully focussed on the task ahead," stressed McKay. Having trailed to Barlow's penalty after just 46 seconds, the in-form Pirates wasted little time in pulling their hosts back into line. Di Bernardo slotted a ninth-minute penalty, before doubling his tally just seven minutes later to make it 6-3. The Italian's strike-rate certainly helped ease the Pirates early nerves - and once they kicked into their normal game - so flooded in the points. Sustained pressure from the visitors brought about a try for skipper Gavin Cattle in the left corner, then the visitors made the most of Peter Cook's sin-binning to add a second score through flanker Iva Motusaga, this time converted by Di Bernardo. Further opportunities followed for McKay's men, but they were unable to add to their tally. In fact it was the home side who cut the deficit when former Exeter back Ben Thompson applied the finish to a slick home move, Barlow converting. With the half all but up, Di Bernardo fired over a third penalty, before adding a fourth just three minutes after the restart to put the Pirates firmly in control at 24-10 up. This cushion should have provided the Pirates with the impetus to kick-on, but far too often they were found guilty of over-playing and some sloppy handling. The mistakes allowed Nottingham to grow in confidence and gave them a belief they could gain something from their toils. Although they pressed hard, it was not until five minutes from time that Nottingham dented the scoreline, Barlow notching a second penalty to make it 24-13. With the bonus point within reach, the home side pushed hard as the clocked ticked by, their efforts were finally rewarded when referee Chris Sharp awarded them a penalty try, converted by Barlow, eight minutes into injury time. Barlow's kick, however, was the last of the action and it was the Pirates who headed into Sherwood Forest another four points richer. Pirates Nottingham Pirates:
Yellow Card: L Vinnecombe Nottingham: Yellow Card: Cook Referee: C Sharp (RFU)
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