2nd July 2009

The Pirates Amateurs are to take action to consolidate a future which would be for the ultimate benefit of developing young rugby players in their area.

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, 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.