2nd
July 2009 Moves have taken place during the past few days whereby the Pirates
Amateurs are looking to take action to consolidate a future which would be for
the ultimate benefit of developing young rugby players in their area. Following
a meeting whereby the management committee of Penzance & Newlyn RFC considered
proposals for the Pirates Amateurs to be recognised as a club to serve the needs
of rugby players in the district, player and committee member Scott Dugdale called
a meeting of the Pirates Amateurs who have played matches under the name for the
past four years, the last three during which they have competed in the CRFU 2nd
and 3rd XVs Merit Table structure. An application by Penzance and Newlyn
Amateurs to join the Cornwall League for the forthcoming season was recently turned
down at Cornwall RFU level, which was a disappointment, and it the second time
that such an application had been voted against. It was unanimously agreed
at the meeting held by the Pirates Amateurs that a new club be formed, called
simply 'Pirates Amateurs', who will wear black, red and white hooped shirts, and
would play their home fixtures at the Mennaye Field. Letters are being sent
to the Cornwall RFU and the Rugby Football Union to inform them of their plans
and wishes, it hoped to enter the English Clubs leagues structure from September,
2010. In the season ahead the Amateurs would likely have to play a given
number of games to meet certain criteria, which should be no problem as they still
plan to play in the CRFU Merit Table competition and to have a number of 'friendly'
matches. In making their decision the Pirates Amateurs wish to cement in
place a base for an wholly amateur side - a community club to serve the needs
of many of the young players being developed. Their aim is to be self-sufficient
and with numbers coming through the ranks there is a hope and wish to run a second
team in the future to hopefully provide a game of rugby for those still wishing
to play the game for enjoyment at senior level. A stalwart 'Pirate', Paul
Greaves, would be the 'new' club's first Chairman, him someone demanding huge
respect and whose rugby involvement in the area has spanned nearly half a century. Sponsorship
to support the Pirates Amateurs is already being sought, with positive responses
already appreciatively received from the Yacht Inn and members of the George family,
plus also from Alan Marsh of the Admiral Benbow. | 
