Cornish Pirates Look to Bounce Back: Can They Stop Cambridge’s Charge?

The Cornish Pirates are set for an away clash against Cambridge this Saturday in Round 5 of the Championship, with both teams fighting for much-needed points. The kick-off at Cambridge’s Ellgia Fields is scheduled for 3pm.

Pirates Face Tough Challenge

Both sides have had a rocky start to the season, each securing one win while suffering three defeats. With the Pirates sitting 10th and Cambridge 11th, the pressure is on as they prepare for their third meeting at Ellgia Fields.

The Pirates emerged victorious on their two previous visits, including a comfortable 64-7 win in last season’s Premiership Cup and a nail-biting 40-33 victory in January. However, complacency is not an option.

Welcome Boost from Returning Players

This week’s team sees the return of several key players from injury. Tom Georgiou, now fully fit, will partner Joe Elderkin in the centre, while Alex Everett and Eoin O’Connor return to bolster the pack.

Head coach Gavin Cattle stressed the importance of focus and avoiding complacency. “We will travel knowing fully well that we can’t in any way be complacent and that we need a win,” Gavin said. He also highlighted improvements in performance from the previous game, saying, “Our level of performance last Saturday was a step up from the week before, which was pleasing, despite missing out at the very end.”

The squad also sees changes, with Dan Hiscocks taking the scrum-half position and James French starting as prop. Full-back Iwan Price-Thomas, who has previously only appeared off the bench in league matches, is set to start as well.

Cornish Pirates Squad for Saturday:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Iwan Price-Thomas 14 Matt McNab 13 Tom Georgiou 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Arthur Relton 10 Bruce Houston 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 Billy Keast 2 Morgan Nelson 3 James French 4 Charlie Rice 5 Eoin O’Connor 6 Alex Everett 7 Will Gibson 8 Hugh Bokenham (captain).

Replacements:   16 Harry Hocking 17 Billy Young 18 Jay Tyack 19 Josh King 20 Tomi Agbongbon 21 Cam Jones 22 Iwan Jenkins 23 Will Trewin.