Will Doncaster Prove a Christmas Spoiler for the Cornish Pirates?

As the Cornish Pirates prepare for their final home game of 2024, anticipation is building for a thrilling contest at the Mennaye Field this Sunday. Fresh off an emphatic 46-14 victory over Coventry, the team now faces Doncaster Knights in what promises to be a fiercely contested sixth-versus-seventh Championship clash.

With Christmas spirit in the air and fans eager to see their team close out the year in style, a large crowd is expected for the 2:30pm kick-off.

Changes in the Line-Up

The Pirates have made some notable changes to their squad ahead of the game. Harry Yates returns to full fitness and joins Charlie McCaig in the centre, while Alfie Petch is named at tight-head prop. A familiar face for Pirates fans, Alfie made 23 appearances during his dual-registration with Exeter Chiefs in 2021-22 and is back at the Mennaye Field on a short-term loan from Gloucester. The weekend also marks his 25th birthday.

Another change sees Matt Cannon partner Lewis Pearson in the second row. On the bench, Craig Williams, an experienced 38-year-old prop on loan from Redruth, offers additional injury cover. Craig’s extensive rugby resume includes playing for Cornwall and England Counties.

Farewell to Will Gibson

This match carries added significance for flanker Will Gibson, who will soon head to Australia. Playing in his 79th game for the team, Will will lead the Pirates out for his final appearance at the Mennaye Field.

Tough Opposition

Despite their current standings, Doncaster Knights remain a formidable opponent. Speaking ahead of the game, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver emphasised the challenge:

“Doncaster have a quality squad, with some outstanding individuals. To date they probably haven’t fired as much as they would have hoped, so for us that clearly makes them dangerous opponents.

“We are at home and are obviously playing some decent rugby at present, but there is no danger of us being carried away because it is undoubtedly going to be a very tough encounter.”

Match Details

• Date: Sunday 22nd December
• Venue: The Mennaye Field
• Kick-off: 2:30pm
• Referee: Richard Gordon
• Assistants:   Veryan Boscawen & Kevin Williams
• Match Sponsor: Yeomans
• Match Ball Sponsor: Kernow Model Rail Centre
• Match Day Collection: Cornwall Air Ambulance

Cornish Pirates:   15 Will Trewin 14 Arthur Relton 13 Charlie McCaig 12 Harry Yates 11 Matt McNab 10 Bruce Houston 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 Billy Young 2 Harry Hocking 3 Alfie Petch 4 Matt Cannon 5 Lewis Pearson 6 Martin Moloney 7 Will Gibson 8 Hugh Bokenham (captain).

Replacements:   16 Sol Moody 17 Oisin Michel 18 Craig Williams 19 Josh King 20 Tomi Agbongbon 21 Cam Jones 22 Iwan Jenkins 23 Iwan Price-Thomas.

Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter as the Pirates aim to cap off the year with a win. Will they maintain their momentum, or will Doncaster Knights spoil the festivities?