With
Father Xmas about at the 'Rec' on Sunday, there was always a hope that the Pirates
could deliver, and they did. Scoring six tries provided worthy entertainment on
an atmospheric afternoon, which for many proved a perfect way to start the festive
celebrations. The Pirates were quick into their stride, with early pressure
creating a penalty chance at goal, but centre Tom Luke's effort missed. Three
minutes later it was Coventry's turn to try and get some points on the board,
but the penalty hit by their Aussie fly-half Myles Dorrian was also off target.
When the Pirates launched their next attack, centre Mark Ireland firstly
opened the midfield, and then there was kick and chase by wing Brian Tuohy that
set pulses racing. The creation of a try looked likely, and it came after
fly-half Simon Whatling gathered the ball 18 metres inside his own half and gave
the ball some air. Confusion reigned in Coventry's defensive ranks, scrum-half
Ed Fairhurst snaffled possession, and Whatling was on hand to run and dive in
at the clubhouse corner. 
Flanker
& MOTM Iva Motusaga | Full-back
Marika Vakacegu was next to impress when a combination of pace and energetic power
saw him tear down the right. Support
was given by flanker Iva Motusaga, and when play came to a halt Coventry's hooker
Chris Whitehead was directed to the long walk to the sin bin by referee Mr. Adrian
Hartwell. It was a time to make Coventry pay, and the Pirates
did. Motusaga was quick to the breakdown, keeping the ball alive for it to be
moved swiftly right. Lock Heino Senekal's carry and then
off-load was also top drawer, his link vital in enabling the ball to reach Tuohy
who dashed over for another unconverted try. |
After Dorrian
was on target with his second penalty attempt at goal, the Pirates scored one
of their best tries of the season, with Motusaga and Senekal again involved in
a movement that ended with Ireland stepping his way to glory. Dorrian added
to Coventry's tally with another penalty, as the Midlanders then came right back
into the match with a controversial score. Scrum-half Nathan Jones, who broke
clear from inside his own half on the main grandstand side of the field, was given
support by Whitehead, and young wing Will Hurrell, an England U18s player and
Leicester Tigers Academy product, was on hand to finish the move off. That
the Pirates were the the dominant force, there was no doubt, but with the scoreline
reading 15-11 at half-time, there was still work to be done. The visitors
had the chance to get within a point of the Pirates right at the start of the
second period, but Dorrian's penalty strike missed. 
Vakacegu
makes the line at the corner | From
the very start of this game the Pirates had played as if they were keen and geared
up to secure a bonus point, and it was soon duly and deservedly acquired. Another
sweeping movement upfield saw the ball passed from right to left with hooker Darren
Dawidiuk and flanker Sam Betty slick with the hands, and Vakacegu given the channel
to make the line at the corner. Whatling, now given the
kicking role, converted superbly from the touchline. Coventry
responded to have their best spell of the game, and after Dorrian slotted a penalty
goal, both he and full-back Ben Russell went close to scoring a try. |
The
Pirates defence, however, was sound, and when they next ventured into Coventry's
half they once again finished the approach in potent mode. Chris Morgan, playing
at No. 8, set the platform, Whatling dummied into open space, and his long pass
to the right enabled Vakacegu to gather and jubilantly cross for his second try
of the afternoon. In the closing minutes, the Pirates tackling qualities
were epitomized by Motusaga and replacement wing Jimmy Moore who then made the
play for replacement centre Steve Winn to cross for try number six. When
the final whistle sounded, the crowd was in buoyant mood, most happy with what
they had seen (although there disappointment that so many kicks had been missed
by different contributors) , and all ready for the usual, and excellent post-match
singing in the marquee. Cornish Pirates:
M. Vakacegu,
P. Devlin (J. Moore 67), M. Ireland, T. Luke (S. Winn 67), B. Tuohy
S. Whatling,
E. Fairhurst (N. Griffiths 67), C. Morgan, I. Motusaga, S. Betty
B. Gulliver
(capt), H. Senekal, S. Heard (D. Seal 54), D. Dawidiuk (R. Elloway 68, D. Dawidiuk
80-84), A. Paver (P. Cook 49). Replacement (not used): P. Andrew. Coventry:
B. Russell, W. Hurrell, G. Dixon, D. Sanders, O. Winter (T. Hayes 73)
M. Dorrian, N. Jones (T. Slater 47), L. McGlone, B. Pons (S. Pearl 73), H. Venter
(capt, G. Thomas 62)
D. Lyons (S. Herrington 62), C. Burgess, R. Brits (R.
Dugard 62), C. Whitehead (S. Pearl 73), L. Ovens (R. Brits 77). Replacement
(Not used): R. McLean-Dents.
Yellow card: Whitehead. Scorers:- Cornish
Pirates
Tries: Vakacegu (2), Whatling, Tuohy, Ireland, Winn; con: Whatling. Coventry
Try:
Hurrell; pens: Dorrian (3). Referee: Adrian Hartwell (RFU) Attendance:
2,877. Man of the match: Iva Motusaga |
