Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship

Saturday 30th January 2010
KICK OFF 3PM

Phil Westren's Preview

There are not many sides who visit Bedford's Goldington Road ground looking for three wins there on the trot, but that's the prospect and challenge posed for the Pirates on Saturday (ko 3pm).

The Pirates recorded memorable victories away to Bedford in 2008, winning 17-15 in February and 26-6 in November, which is a record, of course, that will give the Blues added incentive to respond.

Also, quite naturally, they'll be keen to avenge the narrow 25-24 loss experienced at Camborne in November, when their chance of victory evaporated with a simple penalty missed in the dying seconds of the game.

The Blues are presently sixth in the Championship, and the Pirates fourth, and although losing with a weakened side at Exeter last Saturday, it will be remembered that Bedford won 51-19 against Nottingham 51-19 just two weeks ago, which inevitably means they'll be keen to impress at home again this weekend in front of their passionate supporters.

It is now a stage of the season when players will aim to stake a claim and cement their place in the side for the challenges that await, the Pirates selection showing a number of changes to take on Bedford, as follows:-

Cornish Pirates:
W. Davies, R. McAtee, P. Devlin, S. Winn, A. Havili
R. Cook, J. Doherty, L. McGlone, S. Betty, C. Morgan
B. Gulliver (capt), S. Pammenter, A. Paver, R. Elloway, R. Storer.

Replacements (from):
P. Andrew, R. Prosser, S. Franklin, T. Holmes, G. Cattle, J. Bentley, N. Jackson, M. Ireland.

It has been confirmed that lock Luke Collins, who has had two weeks on loan to Redruth since returning from injury, will likely get further valuable game time when he is expected to turn out for the 'Reds' again this week.

Pirates TV

This match will also be screened live on Pirates TV - http://cornish-pirates.com/pirates-tv/

Also on the big screen at the Westholme Clubhouse Penzance
Bars open 12 noon entry £3