Knights Get Their Revenge

Fair play to the Doncaster Knights who came on a mission and duly delivered, securing the win sought to avoid three defeats on the trot, besides also gaining revenge for the Pirates having toppled them (10-21) at their home Castle Park ground in September.

Pre-match the scene was suitably set for for a mid-season display of entertainment.

Father Christmas and Captain Benbow handed out free goodies to youngsters gathered about the ground, representatives of the superb Camborne Youth Band performed Christmas carols in front of the main grandstand, and the blessed conditions of the day added extra promise that everyone was in for treat.

In reality, however, nothing is guaranteed in sport and what occasionally unfolds is not always as one would wish.

For the Cornish Pirates and their supporters, this would be one of those occasions.

After the Pirates kicked the game off, Doncaster countered immediately with a break out of defence by centre Hudson Tonga'uiha. As the Pirates scampered back to defend they gave a penalty away just 24 metres out, gifting the visitors an early opportunity to open the scoring. It looked a likely formality, but the Pirates were let off the hook when Doncaster fly-half Ali Warnock's effort narrowly missed.

Play was frantic, physical and feisty, it not long before referee Mr. Roy Maybank called both captains together for them to demand a more disciplined approach from their troops.

Pirates' skipper Gavin Cattle looked to rally those around him, and hopes were raised on the right when a line-out soon followed just 10 metres out from Doncaster's line. Unfortunately, however, possession and the chance to construct something worthy was then lost.

Prop Paul Andrew had been busy about the field, but when entering the breakdown at speed and using his shoulder illegally Mr. Maybank had no hesitation but to show him a yellow card.

Down to 14 men, the match thus far had been of a stop-start nature, and it was about time for a general improvement in play to be witnessed. Full-back Rob Cook safely secured a lofted high ball for the second time in the match, which drew worthy applause, but overall the on-field was anything but sensational in the sun.

The Pirates thankfully managed not to concede any points during the 10 minutes they were a man short, and back to a full complement of players did manage to put pressure upon Doncaster when wing Rhodri McAtee was involved in a kick and chase on the left. It was now in injury time, but no benefit would evolve, and when the referee blew his whistle to bring the half to a close there was almost a sense of relief from those in the crowd who were already praying for the promise of a better second forty.

When play resumed it was the Knights who flew out of the blocks, and having missed a chance to take a lead right at the beginning of the first half, they were in no mood now to spurn a second opportunity. Chris Briers immediately threatened with a run on the left, but was held. However, when the ball was recycled Warnock executed a perfectly struck cross-field kick into the hands of right wing Andrew Wright, who rose to gather and then dotted it down well into limited space at the corner. Warnock missed the conversion.

The Pirates endeavoured to mount a series of attacks in response, but their efforts were frustrated by Donny's dogged defence. A penalty chance to hit back with three points also went begging when Cook's attempt was off target.

In a still robust encounter, there was though an improvement for the Pirates at the line-out, and a handling movement on the left involving centre Nick Jackson and Cook also provided encouragement. Cook had an opportunity to kick a penalty from a similar spot from where had a little earlier missed, and he this time struck the ball perfectly to register his team's first points of the afternoon.

Shortly after the restart the Knights menaced once more through bloodied flanker Neil Cochrane and then centre Bevon Armitage, with support given by hooker and skipper Steve Lawrie who crossed for a try at the posts which Warnock converted.

The heads of home supporters dropped, it up to the players to now conjure up a response to give them a lift, which they did, and it worth waiting for. Replacement scrum-half James Doherty fired out a long pass to the right, and the ball was moved through the hands to man of the match Jackson who had McAtee in support. When Jackson passed to the magician outside of him there was still work to do, but McAtee simply put on the burners to cross at the scoreboard corner. He has made a habit of scoring a number of fine tries against Doncaster in recent years, and this was another to which Cook did well to add the extras.

A tense finish to the game now beckoned, it a period when the Pirates had their chances to win the match. Cook was just left of the posts with a penalty attempt from 40 metres, flanker Sam Betty went close to the line after a charge down, and fly-half Jonny Bentley's last ditch drop goal attempt was worthy, but wide.

Doncaster had arrived on a mission, and they had succeeded, it a frustrating game for the home support to witness – on what was 'one of those days'.

Cornish Pirates:
R. Cook, R. McAtee, N. Jackson, M. Ireland (R. Jones 67), J. Moore
J. Bentley, G. Cattle (capt, J. Doherty 58), L. McGlone (M. Evans 65), S. Betty
B. Cowan, B. Gulliver, R. Labuschagne (C. Rimmer 25-36, R. Elloway h/t), A. Paver (R. Storer 65), D. Ward, P. Andrew (C. Rimmer 55).

Replacements (not used) C. Morgan.

Yello card: Andrew.

Doncaster Knights:
A. Carter, (S. McColl 65), A. Wright, H. Tonga'uiha, B. Armitage, C. Briers, A. Warnock, C. Hallam, C. Planchant, N. Cochrane (S. Grainger 36-h/t, 46-51, 65), A. Boyde, G. Townson, D. Griffiths, N. Tau (M. Cusack h/t), S. Lawrie (capt, S. Boden 72), T. Davies (S. Corsar 72).

Replacements: G. Kenworthy, M. D'Arcy.

Scorers:-

Cornish Pirates – Try: McAtee; con: Cook ; pen: Cook

Doncaster Knights – Tries: Wright, Lawrie; con: Warnock.

Referee: Roy Maybank (RFU)

Attendance: 2,667

Man of the match: Nick Jackson