For
what should be an enthralling 2008-09 National One campaign, the Cornish Pirates
have named a strong line-up for this Sunday's league opener against Newbury Blues
at Camborne (ko 3pm). Competition for places will have been keenly contested,
and selection will no doubt have given the coaches a few headaches - which, in
the words of Head Coach Mark Hewitt, "is no bad thing". The starting
XV for Sunday, five of whom will be making their league debuts for the Cornish
Pirates, looks to have a good balance of power, pace and flair, which are essential
ingredients if the team is to flourish, with the bench and non-selected players
also providing an impressive list of names. As for Newbury Blues, former
Saracens, Bath, Bristol and England back-rower Ben Sturnham was appointed as their
Head Coach during the summer, him in charge of a Newbury squad showing many new
faces. Having been an Academy Coach at Bristol and Head Coach at Bristol
University for four years, it is no surprise to see that Ben Sturnham has seemingly
attracted a number of players to head east across the M4 from the west country. Two
former Pirates, wing Jonny Hylton and centre Marc Sweeney, are with the Berkshire
club, but 'Hylts' misses out on a playing return to Cornwall as he is presently
injured. Gareth Griffiths, who was loaned from Bristol's Premiership Academy
to Redruth last season and is a former England U19s international, is selected
at fly-half. Cornish Pirates:
A. Winnan
(capt), A Havili, M. Ireland, S. Winn, M. Vakacegu, D. Sanft,
E. Fairhurst,
B. Bedes, C. Morgan, B. Cumming, B. Gulliver, H. Seneka
S. Heard, R. Elloway,
A. Paver. Replacements
D. Seal, D. Dawidiuk, M. Burak, I. Motusaga,
N. Griffiths, T. Luke, R. McAtee. Head Coach: Mark Hewitt Newbury
Blues:
M. Williams, C. Perry, M. Sweeney, M. Humphries, A. Henderson,
G. Griffiths,
W. Gasson, S. Witcomb, S. Fox, R. Noonan, L. Perkins, I. Ascroft-Leigh,
T. Fidler, P. Fincken (capt), R. Green. Replacements
J. Burgess,
J. Greenwood, M. Lee, N. Morris, N. Defty, T. Kessell, B. Stevenson. Head
Coach: Ben Sturnham Referee: Nick Williams
(RFU)
Touch Judges: Steve Leyshon & Lloyd Jackson |
