Cornish Pirates

RFU Championship Round 3

Friday 18th September 2009
Kick-off 7:30pm

Phil Westren's Preview

Having won their opening two games in the 'Championship', the Cornish Pirates will be keen to maintain winnings ways at Castle Park, Doncaster, this Friday evening .

However at the same time they will expect a tough contest against a Yorkshire team desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

The 'Knights' went down 12-26 in their opener against a useful Bedford side, whilst last week they lost 32-20 at Exeter. They performed very well at Sandy Park and were understandably disappointed to depart with 'nowt'.

Included in the Cornish Pirates line-up for Friday night's battle is scrum-half Ben Jones.

An England Sevens man, he has played for Doncaster in the past and also made five appearances for Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors last season.

Ben arrived in Cornwall earlier this week on a short term deal to provide cover for injured skipper Gavin Cattle.

Blair Cowan, who missed last Sunday's game against Moseley, returns to captain the side in Cattle's absence, and in the front-row prop Carl Rimmer is given a starting role.

Cornish Pirates:
W. Davies, J. Moore, M. Ireland, R. Jones, A. Havili
J. Bentley, B. Jones, B. Cowan (capt), S. Betty, C. Morgan
L. Collins, L. McGlone, A. Paver, D. Ward, C. Rimmer.

Replacements: 
P. Andrew, R. Elloway, R. Brits, T. Holmes, R. Bright, S. Winn, R. Cook

Doncaster

Nicky Griffiths, who impressed many at the Pirates last season, is expected to make his debut at scrum-half for the home team

R. Davies, A. Wright, B. Armitage, H. Tonga'uiha, D. Flockhart,
J. Brooks, N. Griffiths, D. Smith, S. Grainger, A. Boyde,
G. Townson, G. Kenworthy (capt), T. Davies, S. Boden, S. Corsar.

Replacements:  
T. Roke, S. Lawrie, B. Griffiths, A. Kettle, M. D'Arcy
A. Warnock, C. Briers.