Cornish Pirates v Nottingham: Is a Third Straight Win Within Reach?

The Cornish Pirates will be aiming to make it three Championship wins on the bounce when they welcome Nottingham to Cornwall on Saturday 21st February.

The Round 18 clash sees eighth-placed Pirates take on seventh-placed Nottingham, known as ‘The Archers’, with plenty on the line as both sides look to strengthen their league position.

Return to the Mennaye Field

After playing their last two home games at Camborne following damage caused by Storm Goretti last month, the Pirates are set to return to the Mennaye Field in Penzance.

While there will be some workable restrictions in place, the club has confirmed that rugby action will resume at their traditional home ground this weekend.

Supporters are reminded that kick-off is at the earlier time of 12 noon. The earlier start allows fans to remain at the ground to watch England v Ireland in the Six Nations, which kicks off at 2.10pm.

Further details are available on the club’s website: Cornish Pirates.

Team News: Two Changes to the Starting XV

There are just two changes to the starting line-up from last weekend.

Matty Ward comes in on the left wing, while James French is selected at loose-head prop. Ben Woodmansey makes his first Championship Rugby start at tight-head.

On the bench, promising young winger Finn Love is named. On loan from Camborne, Finn made his 1st team debut this month for the ‘Cherry & Whites’. He has previously been part of the Truro College academy system in Cornwall and the Exeter Chiefs Academy.

Alan Paver: “There is an opportunity”

Speaking ahead of the contest, joint head coach Alan Paver reflected on recent performances and the challenge ahead.

“The boys impressed with a very good performance away to Caldy last weekend, as they had against London Scottish at Camborne the week before.

“As for this Saturday, both ourselves and Nottingham are well matched, but there is an opportunity to push past them if all aspects of our game are functioning well.

“Yes, we must be respectful, but our present form is encouraging and we are at home, though if we don’t get the result sought, it will be a case of we only have ourselves to blame.”

Full Cornish Pirates Team

Starting XV:
15 Angus Mawson
14 Arthur Relton
13 Chester Ribbons
12 Harry Yates
11 Matty Ward
10 Louie Sinclair
9 Dan Hiscocks
1 James French
2 Sol Moody
3 Ben Woodmansey
4 Milo Hallam
5 Josh King
6 Alex Everett (captain)
7 Luke Ratcliff
8 Tomi Agbongbon

Replacements:
16 Morgan Nelson
17 Billy Young
18 Alfie Petch
19 Matt Cannon
20 Rory Suttor
21 Will Rigelsford
22 Arwel Robson
23 Finn Love

Referee: Charlie Gayther
Assistants: Sam Yates and Kevin Williams
Official 4: Paul Box

Match Day Sponsor: Drill Hall Shopping Arcade
Match Ball Sponsor: Kernow Model Rail Centre
Match Day Collection: Bolingey Barbarians

With two strong wins behind them and a return to Penzance, the Pirates will be hoping home support can help carry them to a third successive victory.