Cornish Pirates

Pre_season 2

Saturday 29th August 2009
Kick-off 3pm

Phil Westren's Preview

Having come down from a high following their fine performance and an emphatic victory recorded against Cardiff RFC just over a week ago, the Cornish Pirates will this Saturday play their second pre-season 'friendly, again against one of the most famous club sides in the world – Harlequins.

For only the second time in the club's history the Pirates will travel to play the mighty 'Quins' at the city team's famous Twickenham Stoop ground, which is a visit that will rekindle memories of the one previous occasion back in November, 2005.

The Pirates disintegrated in the last quarter and conceded five late tries to lose 50-6 in that match, which was a disappointing end to a day of mixed emotions for the thousands that had travelled up from Cornwall to meet up with Cornish 'exiles', including a number that had

 

What with the Harlequins distinct magenta, chocolate, green, black, light blue and French grey colours mixing in with the more defined black, red and white, and black and gold, the impressive stadium resembled an artist's palette.

It was no surprise that the Harlequins bounced straight back to the Premiership at the season's end, as they plied their trade in National One with a steely determination and resolve, helped by the fact that they had held on to influential figures such as Andre Vos, Will Greenwood and Andrew Mehrtens.

The Cornish Pirates mascot Captain Benbow made friends with the 'Quins' mascots, bears Charlie and Harley, whilst rival supporters also forged friendships off the field.

But what of this weekend? Well, it is likely that the home team will wish to put aside their problems of late, and to keep their focus on the future – starting with Saturday. Their selected team is not known at the time of writing, but the squad is a strong one and is littered with top class players. Also, because the game is just one week ahead of their Guinness Premiership opener 'away' to Wasps at Twickenham, it is likely that the Pirates will face a stern test against a very strong squad.

Besides the likes of England's Nick Easter, Danny Care and David Strettle, there are a number of familiar new boys who have arrived in west London, including the Exeter trio of prop John Andress, lock Lewis Stevenson and wing Josh Drauniniu. Scrum-half Karl Dickson has joined from Bedford Blues, whilst fly-half Rory Clegg, who played for England U20s recently and is an outstanding prospect, has joined from Newcastle Falcons. Argentine centre Gonzalo Camacho is another gifted close season addition.

In 'friendlies' played to date, Harlequins have beaten Connacht 15-14 at home and Edinburgh 33-16 away.

Of general interest, the Pirates have played Harlequins three times during their history, and have lost on each occasion.. A first encounter played at Penzance in 1952 was lost 5-3, the one previous visit to The Stoop in 2005 was lost 50-6 (as previously mentioned), whilst a last encounter at home in March, 2006, saw the Pirates beaten 29-8.