On
a cold and blustery afternoon at the 'Rec', few could have expected quite such
a convincing result as this, as a much changed Pirates line-up entertained in
style.  |
A
good percentage of the Cornish side had, for varying reasons, experienced limited
game time to date, but to a man they stood up to be counted, keen to match impressive
performances witnessed from other colleagues, and thus the team overall, in recent
weeks. Consider the scrum-half berth for this match,
there no Ed Fairhurst, no Nicky Griffiths, no Rhodri McAtee - there just Jimmy
Moore, but it no problem. The top points scorer when with
Coventry back in 2005-06, is someone who never lets the side down, and his on-field
example in this match was one mirrored similarly in the purposeful play of those
around him. | | Jimmy
Moore | |
Despite
playing into the strong wind towards the 'West Briton Terrace' end of the ground,
it was the Pirates who applied the pressure right from the start, with fly-half
Simon Whatling, who was returning to league action for the first time since injuring
a shoulder 14 months ago, comfortably slotting a drop goal.  |
From
the restart wing Brian Tuohy and full-back Marika Vakacegu then attacked down
the left, with a position soon set from where prop Peter Cook stretched to score
a try converted by Moore. Despite having Sam Heard sin-binned,
the Pirates continued to dominate. Hooker Darren Dawidiuk and centre Tom Luke
were as wholehearted as ever, and after a series of scrums at the clubhouse corner,
another score was the eventual reward. However, when it
came, it was actually delivered wide out on the right, with Luke timing his pass
perfectly to enable recalled wing Aisea Havili to dart in at the corner. |
The
Pirates had denied Sedgley Park precious little possession, but when a penalty
was awarded the visitors on their first visit to the Pirates '22', they took full
advantage of the scoring opportunity presented them, and prop Petrus Du Plessis,
who was gifted space galore, trundled to the posts for a try converted by fly-half
Phil Jones. As the half-time whistle beckoned, the clouds above darkened,
but there just enough time left for the Pirates to conjure up one more score before
a mighty squall hit. The initial play was once again set by Tuohy and Vakacegu,
and when the line beckoned predatory flanker Iva Motusaga, who has played so consistently
well all season, pounced for a try. Leading 20-7 at the break, and looking
forward to the advantage of the elements in the second period, there was every
hope that the Pirates would soon secure a bonus point providing fourth try, it
a case of sitting back to wait and see.  |
The
second half started with Whatling busily making tackles and Sedgley again forced
on the defensive, before a quick penalty tap and go by Tigers right winger Peter
Swatkins saw him stride 85 metres to the posts for a try again converted by Jones. For
the home team it was just a minor set back, as making an immediate riposte the
Pirates responded to score their fourth try. The scorer once again was Motusaga,
his effort converted by Moore. When the Pirates attacked
from right to left, Havili's iviting pass looked to give Tuohy another run, but
it was adjudged forward. However, maintaining the pressure on their opponents
a penalty soon resulted which Moore kicked from in front of the posts. |
With
changes now being made, the Pirates introduced Richard Bright to proceedings,
the 18 years old youngster making his National One league debut and wasting no
time in getting involved in the action.  |
Showing
total dominance, the Pirates kept up their onslaught, and their continued efforts
gained further reward with first a penalty try and then a try scored by No. 8
Matt Evans, both of which were converted by Moore. Havili
celebrated a very sound performance with his second try of the afternoon, before
at the very end Moore took the score past the fifty mark with a try this time
converted by Tuohy. To have passed the half century mark
will have been pleasing in itself, but especially so with a team that showed so
many changes in personnel, and had also to cope with such a difficult afternoon
weather-wise. |
This coming Saturday's 'derby' match encounter
away to Plymouth Albion now beckons, it one that will offer a somewhat different
challenge, and with it important for supporters to note that the kick-off time
at the Brickfields is now 5.15pm. Cornish Pirates:
M.
Vakacegu (P. Devlin 63), A. Havili, M. Ireland, T. Luke (R. Bright 58), B. Tuohy
S.
Whatling (S. Winn 58), J. Moore, M. Evans, I. Motusaga (D. Seal 17-21, C. Morgan
56), S. Betty
B. Gulliver (capt), H. Senekal, S. Heard (D. Seal 51), D. Dawidiuk,
P. Cook (A. Paver 39). Replacement (not used): B. Bedes. Yellow card:
Heard. Sedgley Park:
C. Hall, P. Swatkins, M. Riley, L. Tafa
(S. Woods 47), P. Wilcock (J. Weeden 16)
P. Jones (capt) C. Wilkinson (W.
Cliff 70), J. Jones, A. Newton, J. Crous
G. Townson (D. Williams 70), T. Fourie
(O. Cook 47), P. Du Plessis (D. Greenhalgh 7)
G. Roberts, G. Evans (A. Livesey
63). Scorers:- Cornish Pirates
Tries: Havili
(2), Motusaga (2), Cook, Evans, Moore
Penalty try
Ccons: Moore (4), Tuohy;
Pen: Moore
Ddrop goal: Whatling. Sedgley Park
Tries: Du
Plessis, Swatkins
Ccons: Jones (2). Referee: Adrian Hartwell (RFU) Man
of the match: Sam Betty. Attendance: 2,324.
|
