Cornish Pirates Face Richmond Away in Championship Clash

The Cornish Pirates return to action this Saturday, 21st March, with an away trip to Richmond in the Championship (kick-off 3pm), as they look to strengthen their position in the top six.

With no fixture last weekend, attention turned to the conclusion of the Six Nations, but focus now shifts firmly back to league rugby for the Pirates in what is a twelfth versus sixth encounter.

Pirates Target Season Double

The Pirates go into the match with confidence, having secured a 28-19 victory over Richmond at home at the end of November. They will now be aiming to complete the double when they travel to West London.

Maintaining their place in the top six remains a key objective, with the team aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

Boost from Returning Players

There is positive news on the team sheet, with Matt Pritchard named among the replacement props. Meanwhile, John Stevens is set to make his first league appearance since suffering an injury away at Nottingham in last season’s opening fixture.

His return adds experience to the squad at an important stage of the season.

Alan Reflects Ahead of Clash

Speaking before the game, joint head coach Alan Paver said:

“Firstly, it has been nice to have the break after following the great game we had against Harlequins, which was one played in the right spirit and was very much enjoyed by supporters.

“Pleasingly, we are in fine form at present, so on the face of it there would seem no reason why we can’t travel on Saturday with a level of confidence.

“We’ll certainly be keen to put in another really good performance, which is a bit of a must in our endeavour to maintain a top six place, though also knowing from experience how difficult that can be.”

Alan added:

“This season hasn’t perhaps gone to plan, but we’ve managed to reframe it and with something to aim for who knows. Having the availability of certain experienced players such as John Stevens, who it is good to see back fit and raring to go, is also a bonus.”

Cornish Pirates Team for Saturday

Starting XV:
15 Angus Mawson, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Harry Yates, 11 Ben Cambriani, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks;
1 James French, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Milo Hallam, 5 Matt Cannon, 6 Alex Everett (captain), 7 Luke Ratcliff, 8 Tomi Agbongbon.

Replacements:
16 Sol Moody, 17 Matt Pritchard, 18 Ben Woodmansey, 19 Josh King, 20 John Stevens, 21 Will Becconsall, 22 Louie Sinclair, 23 Matty Ward.

Match Officials:
Referee: Ben Wood
Assistants: Calum Howard and Henry Lowis
Official 4: Niamh Hennessy

The Pirates head into Saturday’s fixture in strong form, but with a tough test expected, all eyes will be on whether they can deliver another performance to keep their top six hopes firmly on track.