Can the Cornish Pirates Avenge Their Defeat? London Scottish Clash Awaits

Published On: 20 March 2025Last Updated: 20 March 2025By CornishStuff

Friday night rugby returns as Pirates resume Championship campaign

The Cornish Pirates are back in Championship action this Friday for the first time since late January, facing London Scottish in a crucial Round 13 clash at the Mennaye Field (kick-off 7.30pm).

With both teams sitting mid-table – Pirates in sixth and London Scottish in seventh – the match is expected to be a closely contested battle. The visitors claimed a 26-15 victory when the sides last met in October, meaning the Pirates will be eager to settle the score on home turf.

Building Momentum After a Long Break

Following their run in the Premiership Cup and a friendly against the Royal Navy last weekend, the Pirates will be looking to shake off any rustiness. Joint head coach Gavin Cattle acknowledged the importance of last week’s match in getting the squad back up to speed.

“It has been a long break since our last Championship league match. However, our friendly encounter against the Royal Navy last week at least gave us some much-needed game time,” he said.

“They were competitive, but we ultimately won with a bit to spare despite naturally being a little ring rusty.

“One thing we can be certain of this week is that London Scottish will provide us with a big challenge, so it is hoped that areas of our game where we have felt necessary to work on will prove beneficial.

“They deservedly beat us at their home earlier in the season, when their physicality got the better of us, and they can always be quite clinical with ball in hand. For supporters and everyone involved it should prove an interesting and very entertaining game.”

Squad News

Flanker Alex Everett will continue as captain, having returned from injury, while Dylan Irvine is among the replacements. The young Kiwi hooker made his debut off the bench against the Royal Navy and will be eager to make an impact if called upon.

The full Cornish Pirates squad for Friday’s match is:

Starting XV:
15 Will Trewin, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Charlie McCaig, 12 Chester Ribbons, 11 Matt McNab, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Dan Hiscocks;
1 Oisin Michel, 2 Sol Moody, 3 James French, 4 Alfie Bell, 5 Josh King, 6 Matt Cannon, 7 Alex Everett (captain), 8 Tomiwa Agbongbon.

Replacements:
16 Dylan Irvine, 17 Billy Young, 18 Jay Tyack, 19 Charlie Rice, 20 Fintan Coleman, 21 Will Rigelsford, 22 Iwan Jenkins, 23 Joe Elderkin.

Match Officials & Sponsors

Referee: George Selwood
Assistants: James Milliner-Woodcock & Kevin Williams
Official 4: Paul Box
PR Coach: Steve Leyshon & Phil Watters
Match Day Sponsor: Nevada Construction
Match Ball Sponsor: Southern England Farms
Match Day Collection: Bolingey Barbarians

With home advantage and a point to prove, the Pirates will be aiming to deliver a strong performance under the Friday night lights. Can they get the job done and climb the table?