19th April, 2009

U16s Reclaim County Title

Pirates U16s 31 Truro U16s 5

For the past eight years, rarely has a year gone by which has not seen these two talented teams meet in the county final.

Boasting some 20 Cornwall squad members between them, including five South West and one England player at the age group, this encounter promised to be a mouth-watering prospect for all rugby enthusiasts.

The match kicked-off at a frenetic pace under blue skies and spring sunshine. After seven minutes, flanker Ben Robinson crossed the line for the Pirates' opening try, but the difficult conversion went wide. Late in the half a set move from a scrum deep in the Truro 22 resulted in a try under the posts for Pirates' blind-side flanker Ben Britten, duly converted by Kyle Moyle to take the Pirates into a half-time lead of 12 - 0.

Within the first ten minutes of the second-half the Pirates all but sealed the match by running in three further tries, two of which were converted by Moyle). Prop Luke Cowan-Dickie scored first, followed two minutes later by a try from full-back Andrew Tester and finally a second touch-down for Ben Robinson.

To their credit, and as expected, Truro never gave up the fight and were finally rewarded with a consolation try in the last quarter by their speedy winger Arron Struminsky.

This was a fine team performance from the Pirates which saw them reclaim the county championship title from Truro to record an extraordinary seventh championship in the last eight years.

Pirates Squad: Jack Lugg, John Drew, Sam Cartwright, Charlie Tokeley, Keiran Brownfield, Ben Britten, Ben Robinson, Luke Cowan-Dickie (c), Taylor Wearne, Ben Brooks, Felix Lovell, William Banks, Kyle Moyle, Andrew Tester, Jack Nowell, Chris Nicholas, Matthew Richards, Jonathan Badcock, Guy Hobson.

Scorers - tries: Robinson(2), Britten, Cowan-Dickie, Tester; cons: Moyle(3)

The Pirates U16s have been coached by Nicky Brooks and Peter Lugg.

Penryn U13s 24 Pirates U13s 0

On a blistering hot Sunday at Falmouth, the 'Borough' boys proved far too strong for a gallant Pirates side, who were comfortably beaten.

It was a case of a game too far for the Pirates U13s, and after their recent great results in Ireland they came crashing to earth with a painful bump. The committed Penryn side scored two first half tries and converted one, as the Pirates battled away. However, some missed tackles and wayward kicking didn't help their cause and it really looked all over even at the halfway stage.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was more like the Pirates of two weeks ago, determined to take the fight to their opponents. The scrums were solid and playing for territory worked to a degree, but despite all their possession the Pirates could not break through Penryn's excellent defence.

As the game drew to a close two breakout tries, one being converted, put the final nails in the Pirates coffin.

It was the Pirates first defeat all season, and they were naturally disappointed, but as in all sports they will dust themselves off and come again next season.

Wadebridge U12s 7 Pirates U12s 49

The Pirates U12s travelled to Wadebridge and put in a very solid team performance that saw them score tries from all quarters. Prop Casper Torode drove over twice to score his maiden tries in a Pirates shirt, and Callum Groves was on the score sheet again in consecutive matches.

Scorers - tries: Casper Torode (2), Max Berryman, Callum Groves, Elliott Nicholls, Jake Carley, Alfie Prosser; cons: Jake Carley (4); Max Berryman (3).

Pirates U11s Host Four-Way Competition

The Penzance & Newlyn RFC welcomed a four-way Under 11s Junior rugby competition at the Mennaye Field on Saturday morning.

Besides the Pirates, the touring Plymstock Albion Oaks side and Truro U11s took part in the competition, plus a 'Barbarians' selection made up from the three official club teams. The Barbarians side was put together at the last minute because a fourth club was unfortunately unable to compete.

Weather conditions under a clear blue sky were perfect on the Cornish spring morning, and every side played with skill and determination, including the Baa-Baas to whom due credit was given for the way they came quickly together as a team.

Following on from their 10-0 win against Camborne at the recent Hayle Festival, the Pirates U11s continued to show their improvement in form. Games were won 10-0 against Plymouth Oaks and 20-5 against the Barbarians, but they lost 10-0 against Truro.

The 'Competition' was played in a sporting manner and was much enjoyed by all who took part.

Wadebridge U9s 15 Pirates U9s 25

Well, it was a beautiful morning to travel to Wadebridge, as the sun shone and the team played a great game of rugby.

Their first season of contact is nearly over and the training is paying off with excellent tackling and rucking skills now showing from the boys. Connor Hart displayed great determination and was given the well deserved Man of the Match award.

Try-scorer were Tom Tieken, Luke Flack and Matthew Ellis.

Pirates U9s: Thomas Prosser, Sabian Friggens, Peter Williams, Max Walden, Tom Tieken, LukeFlack, HenryTrow, Connor Hart, Conner George, Matthew Ellis (Captain), Jamie Thomas.