Cornish Pirates head to Rotherham Titans and a familiar face

Five rounds into the new season, the Cornish Pirates are still waiting for a win on the road. Their next shot at it comes on one of the longest trips of the year, against a side run by a man who knows the club from the inside.

Rotherham Titans away this Sunday

The Cornish Pirates come into the game on the back of an excellent 48-24 Elior Champ Rugby win at home to Chinnor last time out, followed by a welcome week off.

Round six of the competition takes them to Rotherham Titans at Clifton Lane this Sunday (1 November), with kick-off at 4pm.

The Titans were promoted back to this level at the end of last season and have been quick to find their feet. Their Director of Rugby is former Pirates coach Harvey Biljon, and the meeting is a fourth versus sixth clash in the league table, which makes it one of the more intriguing fixtures on this weekend’s rugby card.

Chester Ribbons back as the pack is reshuffled

There is one change in the backs, with Chester Ribbons making a welcome return to fitness.

In the forwards, a fit-again Milo Hallam partners Josh King in the second row, and Morgan Nelson is named as the starting hooker. Alex Everett leads the side as captain.

“A really big achievement”

Joint head coach Alan Paver is under no illusions about the size of the task.

“Firstly, we are aware that Rotherham are traditionally always a difficult side to beat at home, and right up there with Doncaster Knights it is our longest journey. Added to this, we also know they have had an extremely good start to the campaign,” he said.

“Their Director of Rugby, Harvey Biljon, is very experienced, plus they have recruited well, but we should hold a level of confidence in our ambitious team.

“We do feel we have the game and the players whose aim will be very much to get that sought after first away victory. Yes, it’ll naturally be tough, but if we can win then it would be a really big achievement to spur the lads on.”

📷The Cornish Pirates line-up to face Rotherham Titans. Credit: Cornish Pirates

The Cornish Pirates team to face Rotherham Titans

Cornish Pirates: 15 Will Becconsall, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Harry Ascherl, 11 Henry Palmer, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks, 1 Alessandro Heaney, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Milo Hallam, 5 Josh King, 6 Alex Everett (captain), 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Hugh Bokenham.

Replacements: 16 Matt Pritchard, 17 Jamie Clark, 18 Osman Dimen, 19 Matt Cannon, 20 Tomiwa Agbongbon, 21 Angus Mawson, 22 Joe Elderkin, 23 Josh Radcliffe.

Match officials

Charlie Gayther takes charge as referee, with Iain Key and Gregg Dawson as assistants and Matt Daubney as the fourth official.

📷Chester Ribbons returns for the Cornish Pirates. Credit: Cornish Pirates