Cornish Pirates Aim for Friday Night Breakthrough Against Nottingham

The Cornish Pirates will be looking to build on their recent win as they head to Nottingham for a Friday night clash under the lights (kick-off 7.45pm).

Strong Start for Nottingham, Momentum for Pirates

Nottingham have enjoyed a promising start to the Championship season and currently sit third in the table. The Pirates, meanwhile, climbed to sixth place after securing a bonus point 34-27 victory over Caldy at the Mennaye Field last Saturday.

Changes to the Starting Line-Up

Several changes have been made to the Pirates’ starting line-up for this fixture. Fit-again wing Arthur Relton returns in the backs, while there are also adjustments in the forwards.

Prop Billy Young steps back into the starting side after being a replacement last week, joined by hooker Morgan Nelson, who returns to full fitness. Luke Ratcliff will make his first start at openside flanker, while Josh King moves to blindside wing forward. His previous place in the engine room will be filled by Charlie Rice, marking his first league appearance of the season after recovering from injury.

Additionally, newly dual-registered Orson James, a 21-year-old Welsh scrum half from Exeter Chiefs, joins the bench for the first time.

Focus on Improvement

Joint head coach Alan Paver reflected on last week’s performance and looked ahead to the challenge at Nottingham, saying:

“Firstly, looking back to last week we needed the win against Caldy, and especially at home, with thanks also to our support on the day.
From a playing perspective our intent was real, as was the want and drive, but some of the core skills broke down and certain of the tactics we put in place weren’t there, so they are things we will hope to improve on this weekend.
Naturally, as coaches we always want more, plus we are aware too that Nottingham have a good coaching group. They have deservedly started the season well, following these past couple of years when have had time to start to understand what their game is, and to bed their group in. They are a formidable side now, especially at home, but having said that I do feel we are quite evenly matched, and the outcome will likely once again come down to those crucial moments in the game.”

Team Selection

Cornish Pirates:
15 Iwan Price-Thomas, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Joe Elderkin, 11 Matty Ward, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 Billy Young, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Charlie Rice, 5 Alfie Bell, 6 Josh King, 7 Luke Ratcliff, 8 Tomi Agbongbon.

Replacements:
16 Matt Pritchard, 17 Alessandro Heaney, 18 James French, 19 Milo Hallam, 20 Barnaby Elderkin, 21 Orson James, 22 Louie Sinclair, 23 Harry Yates.

Match Officials:
Referee: Andy Wigley
Assistants: Kieron Henry & John Meredith

The Cornish Pirates will be hoping their adjustments and renewed focus pay off when they face a confident Nottingham side this Friday night.