Can The Cornish Pirates Turn Things Around at Home After Cambridge Defeat?

Crucial Clash at the Mennaye This Sunday

The Cornish Pirates return to the Mennaye Field this Sunday, 7th April, for a crucial Championship Round 15 encounter against Cambridge (kick-off 2.30pm), as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing performance away at Bedford.

Currently sitting sixth in the table, the Pirates will be keen to make amends after falling to a 29-22 defeat in the reverse fixture against Cambridge back in October. Despite Cambridge occupying the bottom spot in the league, the Pirates are taking nothing for granted against the side known as the ‘Blood & Sand’.

Positive Forecast, High Stakes

With a good weather forecast predicted for Sunday, supporters can expect a lively afternoon of rugby and a strong atmosphere at the Mennaye. Points are essential for the Pirates as they aim to climb the Championship table in the closing rounds of the season.

Team Changes: Injuries and Returns

There are three changes in the starting line-up from last weekend. Wing Arthur Relton and hooker Sol Moody miss out through injury, with Robin Wedlake returning on the wing and Harry Hocking stepping in at hooker.

In the second-row, Charlie Rice joins Josh King, while Alfie Bell moves to the bench. Among the replacements is Michael Etete, poised to make his Championship debut for the Pirates. Also named on the bench is Will Becconsall, a fresh face on loan from Exeter Chiefs. The 22-year-old Cornishman, who began his career in Falmouth, is the nephew of Garry Becconsall, who made appearances for Penzance & Newlyn RFC during the 2002/03 season.

Coach: “We’ve Had Honest Reflections”

Speaking ahead of the match, coach Joe Walsh commented:

“After last Saturday’s game at Bedford we were disappointed with most areas of our performance, and we have had some pretty honest reflections since.

“We will be looking for a reaction this week to set the record straight and to show that we are a better team overall than what was witnessed both last week and, of course, when we lost to Cambridge away earlier in the season.

“Improvement will be sought generally in our set piece, in defence, and in the collision area, and if we can achieve the sought after result then that would obviously boost our confidence and enable us to hopefully progress and carry that momentum forward.”

Full Pirates Squad

Starting XV:
15 Will Trewin
14 Robin Wedlake
13 Charlie McCaig
12 Chester Ribbons
11 Matt McNab
10 Bruce Houston
9 Dan Hiscocks
1 Billy Young
2 Harry Hocking
3 Jay Tyack
4 Josh King
5 Charlie Rice
6 Matt Cannon
7 Alex Everett (captain)
8 Tomiwa Agbongbon

Replacements:
16 Dylan Irvine
17 James French
18 Ollie Andrews
19 Alfie Bell
20 Michael Etete
21 Will Becconsall
22 Iwan Jenkins
23 Harry Yates

Match Details

• Referee: Mike Hudson

• Assistants: Andy Wigley & James Milliner-Woodcock

• Official 4: Paul Box

• Match Day Sponsor: Varfell Farms

• Match Ball Sponsor: Cornish Chillies

• Match Day Collection: The Chy Sawel Project

With redemption on their minds, the Pirates will be hoping to put on a performance worthy of their home crowd and build some momentum as the season edges closer to its conclusion.