The
two teams for this coming Sunday's important National One encounter between the
Cornish Pirates and Leeds Carnegie have been named, with there clearly every prospect
that it should be the entertaining and intensely fought affair anticipated. League
leaders Leeds Carnegie have quality in all departments, there the strength of
Samoan international prop Fosi Pala'amo 'up front' , and there fleetness out wide
in wingers Tom Biggs and Richard Welding. The latter, incidentally, will be the
only former 'Pirate' on show, as Viliami Ma'asi is out injured and Alberto Di
Bernardo, although having featured in an 'A' game for Leeds on Monday, is not
included. Wearing the number 10 shirt for the visitors will be the experienced
Jason Strange, a former Bristol fly-half who has played for Wales. Also, their
bench is pretty impressive, it boasting names such as Argentinean front-rower
Juan Gomez, South African flanker Hendre Fourie, and former dual-code star Henry
Paul. As for the Cornish Pirates, their team shows three
changes in the starting line-up from that which faced Esher last weekend. Flanker
Iva Motusaga and centre Tom Luke are recalled, them replacing Sam Betty and Steve
Winn, both of whom are named among the replacements, and prop Sam Heard comes
into the side in place of Scott Franklin, who has been unwell this week. The
visit of Leeds Carnegie will stir memories of the Cornish team's last encounters
against the 'Tykes' back in 2006-07. During that season the Cornish Pirates played
them three times, with each match mightily close. In the league the Pirates lost
21-20 away and drew 21-21 at home, before a late victory was spectacularly achieved
(17-18) in a quite incredible EDF Energy National Trophy round 5 tie. Having
been relegated from the Guinness Premiership at the end of last season, and with
the former Leicester duo of Andy Key (DoR) and Neil Back (Head Coach) in charge,Leeds
Carnegie have made it known that they are determined to make this a one season
stay in National One. It is still relatively early days, but the fact that they
are presently the only unbeaten team in the division does make them favourites.
In 11 outings they have scored 450 points and conceded just 111, and have passed
the 50 points mark in five of their matches played. On 'big'
match occasions, as Sunday's undoubtedly is, it is always recommended that supporters
arrive early to avoid congestion. Also, it will give the opportunity for everyone
to witness the inimitable Falmouth Marine Band, who will provide extra flavour
to what should be an entertaining afternoon. Tickets for
this match have inevitably sold well, but they will also be available on the day.
For further information contact the ticket office 01736-331961, or visit our on-line
ticket kiosk Kick-off on Sunday at the Recreation Ground, Camborne,
is at 2pm. Cornish Pirates:
A. Winnan (capt), B. Tuohy, P. Devlin,
T. Luke, M. Vakacegu
R. Jones, N. Griffiths, B. Bedes, I. Motusaga, C. Morgan
B. Gulliver, H. Senekal, S. Heard, D. Dawidiuk, A. Paver. Replacements:
P. Cook, D. Seal, S. Betty, M. Evans, R. McAtee, S. Winn, M. Ireland. Leeds
Carnegie:
L. Hinton, R. Welding, J. Hepworth, S. Barrow, T. Biggs
J. Strange, S. Mathie, R. Oakley, C. Clark, K. Myall
J. Pendlebury, P. Murphy,
T. McGee, R. Rawlinson (capt), F. Pala'amo. Replacements: J. Gomez, P. Nilsen,
D. Paul, H. Fourie, J. Bedford, H. Paul, R. Vickerman. Referee: Nick
Williams (RFU)
Assistants: Steve Leyshon & Peter Huckle. Mascots:
Kieran Hodge & Charlie Garlton - winners of the St. Austell 'Masterclass'
2008 Match Day Sponsor: Vospers Match Ball Sponsor: Winter
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