Cornish Pirates

From Chris Stirling
High Performance Manager

12th May 2010

A Special Day For The Pirates

Sunday 16th May 2010, will go down in the Pirates history as a special day.

To host the final of the British & Irish Cup at Camborne is a just reward for our passionate and loyal supporters who have stuck by the Pirates through thick and thin, not only this season but also in seasons gone

Like all of us, I look forward to welcoming the players, management and supporters of Munster to Camborne this weekend.

I am sure they will enjoy both their stay in Cornwall, plus the atmosphere at the Rec.

On the 8th June last year we gathered as a squad and commenced our 2009/10 Championship and British & Irish Cup programme.

Goals and expectations were set, the style of play and season game plan was established, and the important component of understanding the Pirates and the passion needed to do the jersey proud was learnt.

If someone had told me that we would finish sixth in the Championship, but within a whisker of finishing third, and gain much needed experience through the play-off pool and win a place in the final of the British & Irish Cup, I would have said, “I´ll take that.”

The British & Irish Cup is a new competition that has gathered momentum as it has progressed, and for us to reach the final and host it at Camborne is very special and the occasion will surely go down as a high point in our club´s history.

The players understand this and realise that these chances are few and far between, as many players go through their whole playing career and never get to play in a final.

As the season draws to a close I would like to thank the supporters for their commitment to the Pirates throughout.

It has been a learning curve for all involved, but the outcomes have been pleasing. Your support is a huge contributing factor in the team´s development this season.

Also, may I add a special thank you to David Holmes for his work as Ref Liaison, David – thank you.

To all, we need you to shout for 80 minutes on Sunday, especially when the going gets tough (and it will). Be assured, your vocal support will lift the boys.

Enjoy!!

Chris