The
line-ups for this Sunday's important National One clash between the Cornish Pirates
and Exeter Chiefs have been confirmed, and as usual a thrilling and explosive
contest between the two rival teams looks a 'cert'. Having
frustratingly lost by just one point (13-14) against Leeds last week, the Devon
visitors will, as likely favourites, relish the chance to bounce back and inflict
damage on their Cornish hosts, who also lost disappointingly (16-0) at Coventry. Two
former Pirates, flanker Chris Cracknell and fly-half Gareth Steenson, have been
named in an inevitably strong Exeter side that shows just one change from that
which opposed Leeds - former Bristol and Glasgow Warriors full-back Sean Marsden
being drafted into the visiting team in place of Gary Kingdom. For
the Pirates, Tongan winger Aisea 'Ice' Havili will make his league debut for the
club, whilst another international player, Canadian captain Ed Fairhurst, is selected
at scrum-half ahead of Nick Griffiths. Last season provided
two immensely competitive and entertaining games between the two teams. The Pirates
won at Camborne in October (30-23) when Jimmy Moore's try in injury-time caused
the 'Rec' to rock, and Exeter gained revenge at Sandy Park (39-29) in January.
Jimmy, unfortunately, will have no chance of repeating his feat of last year,
as he sadly suffered a hand fracture at Coventry on Saturday. The
match this Sunday at the Recreation Ground, Camborne, kicks off at 3pm, with it
recommended, as ever for these 'derby' match occasions, that supporters arrive
early at the ground to avoid any congestion. Although it is always advisable to
purchase ticket needs in advance, it should be noted that they will also be available
on the day. The named line-ups for Sunday are as follows:- Cornish
Pirates:
A. Winnan (capt), M. Vakacegu, P. Devlin, S. Winn, A. Havili,
D. Sanft,
E. FairhurstB. Bedes, C. Morgan, B. Cumming, B. Gulliver, H. Senekal,
S. Heard, R. Elloway, A. Paver. Replacements
D. Seal, D. Dawidiuk, M.
Evans, I. Motusaga, N. Griffiths, T. Luke, R. McAtee. Exeter Chiefs:
S.
Marsden, N. Sestaret, B. Rennie, M. Cornwell, J. Drauniniu, G. Steenson,
K.
Barrett,R. Baxter (capt), A. Miller, C. Cracknell, L. Stevenson, D. Tuohy,
J. Andress, N. Clark, C. Budgen. Replacements
S. Alcott, D. Parkes,
T. Skelding, T. Johnson, C. Stuart-Smith, S. Ward, R. Pugh. Referee:
Rowan Kitt (RFU) Touch Judges (Assistant Referees): Steve Leyshon &
Peter Huckle
Match Day Sponsors: Ocean BMW and Midas
Construction Match Ball Sponsor: Western Electrical Mascot:
Luke Meeson |
