P.D. 'PAT' CLEAVER

We are sorry to hear that former 'Pirate' Pat Cleaver has passed away, aged 77.

His funeral will take place at his home town of Warminster, Wiltshire, on Friday 13th. October.

A robust prop forward, Pat played for the Pirates, Harlequins, the Army and Cornwall (8 caps, 1947-55).

His involvement with the Pirates developed from a time when his father was head at the Cable & Wireless Station, Porthcurno,

He was a proud member of the Cornish team that reached the semi-final of the County Championship in 1955, playing alongside Penzance & Newlyn colleagues Gerald Luke, John 'Ginger' Williams and John Kendall-Carpenter.

That match was lost 10-3 at Redruth, no disgrace against a very strong Middlesex team littered with the best players from some England's most illustrious clubs.

Pat Cleaver retired from the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel, enjoyed his hobby of making sports cars, and always kept an interest in the fortunes of the Pirates as a Patron. Condolences are passed to his family from all who knew and played alongside him.

As a mark of respect, the flags at Penzance & Newlyn RFC's Mennaye Field ground will fly half-mast on the occasion of the Cornish Pirates Academy game versus Leicester Academy on Friday evening.