Can Pirates Handle the Heat in Thame? Physical Showdown Awaits This Saturday

Chinnor Host Cornish Pirates in Round 16 Clash

This Saturday, 12th April, the Cornish Pirates head to Kingsey Road, Thame, to take on Chinnor in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. The 3pm kick-off sees 10th placed Chinnor host the Pirates, currently sitting 5th in the Championship table.

Chinnor, nicknamed ‘The Villagers’, will enter the fixture on the back of a hard-fought 17-all draw away at Hartpury last weekend. The Pirates, who narrowly edged a 15-13 win when the sides met at the Mennaye Field in November, are expecting a similarly bruising battle.

Line-Up Changes for the Pirates

One change to the Cornish Pirates’ starting XV sees Fintan Coleman named at open-side flanker. The reshuffle pushes captain Alex Everett to number 8, while Tomiwa Agbongbon moves to the bench.

The team selection for the Pirates is as follows:
Cornish Pirates: Will Trewin, Robin Wedlake, Charlie McCaig, Chester Ribbons, Matt McNab, Bruce Houston, Dan Hiscocks; Billy Young, Harry Hocking, Jay Tyack, Josh King, Charlie Rice, Matt Cannon, Fintan Coleman, Alex Everett (captain).
Replacements: Dylan Irvine, James French, Ben Woodmansey, Alfie Bell, Tomiwa Agbongbon, Will Becconsall, Iwan Jenkins, Harry Yates.

Cattle Warns of Chinnor’s Physical Threat

Speaking ahead of the game, joint head coach Gavin Cattle reflected on November’s meeting and the challenges his side face:

“Looking back to when we first played Chinnor at home in November, we were perhaps a bit lucky to come out on the right side of the result, so we know what to expect. They have a solid set piece, will be physical, and have a well-structured attack.”

Gavin also highlighted how recent weather has changed the flow of games:

“As we saw in our win against Cambridge the present firmer pitches are enabling more running rugby to be played, though you can’t but escape it will likely be the physical aspect that will play a big part, and with an emphasis on that the hope is we can then create some space.”

With both sides having plenty to play for, Saturday’s clash is shaping up to be a compelling battle in the Championship calendar.