For
a 15 year spell following the introduction of league rugby back in 1987/88, no
games created more tension and interest than those between Penzance & Newlyn
RFC and Launceston, as our respective teams were then called. There
were some terrific encounters, many of them close, the 'Cornish All Blacks' promotion
from National Two at the end of last season enabling us to once again make meaningful
acquaintance. We played the 'CABs' at Polson Bridge
on the opening day of this campaign, it an historic day for the hosts as it was
the highest level that the 'Lanson' based club had played at, them impressing
both on and off the field. Yes, we won 26-12, but the CABs
spirited second-half comeback certainly gave us a fright before skipper Tim Cowley's
try secured an ultimately deserved victory. The CABs had
certainly played well enough to offer hope that they could hold their own in the
division, but as the season has progressed, life has not been easy for our opponents.
With just two wins, and a series of solid 'if but' performances
behind them, they now face a challenge for survival - just as we did when first
playing at the level. As for Sunday's game, forget league
positions, it certain to be a pulsating occasion, a celebration of all good things
Cornish - with rugby, singing, and accustomed dollops of entertainment and generosity
to the fore. A pre-match highlight will be the arrival
of the inimitable Falmouth Marine Band. The visitors are
likely to include five former Pirates in their starting line-up (plus one on the
bench), with one of them, flanker Josh Lord, their captain. Also named as a replacement
is prop Laurence Ovens, an on-loan signing from Bath. In
the Cornish Pirates side there will be one new face, this week's signing from
London Irish, Mark Ireland, set to make a derby match debut in place of the injured
Vunga Lilo. Also sidelined is fly-half Gareth Steenson
replaced by Ollie Thomas, whilst other changes from the team that started last
time out against London Welsh sees Brian Tuohy selected on the wing for James
Moore. Heino Senekal replaces an injured Bruce Cumming in
the second-row, and Peter Cook given a starting role at loose-head prop in place
of Alan Paver
With a big crowd expected, supporters
are advised to arrive at the ground early to avoid congestion. | 
