Cornish Pirates look to repeat 2021 Ealing win at the Mennaye

Five years ago to the day, the Mennaye Field saw something that has not happened since. This Saturday (3 October), the Cornish Pirates get the chance to do it again.

Ealing Trailfinders are the visitors to Penzance for Round 3 of Elior Champ Rugby, with kick-off at 3pm. The Pirates’ last victory against them came at the Mennaye on 3 October 2021, when they won 15-12.

A bruising week on the road

The season started well. The Pirates opened their 2026/27 campaign with a 45-19 home win over Doncaster Knights. Round 2 was a different story, a 73-40 defeat away to Coventry last weekend, in a game where injuries to certain players did not help.

Now comes a strong Ealing side, and the club is not pretending it will be anything but difficult. For more sport from across Cornwall, see our latest coverage.

Nick Lilley comes into the centre

Selection sees 20-year-old Nick Lilley partner Harry Ascherl in the centre. The Plymouth-born player is dual registered with Exeter Chiefs and has represented England under 20s.

Nick made his first team debut for the Devon side in May 2025. Featuring against Northampton Saints at Sandy Park, he became the Chiefs’ youngest ever professional try-scorer.

Tomi Agbongbon is not available this week, so Hugh Bokenham moves back to No. 8. Matt Cannon, who came off the bench last week to make his 50th appearance for the club, packs down alongside Milo Hallam in the second row.

“Get right back on the horse”

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said: “Last weekend we were tired from the short turn around, plus we had quite a lot of disruption in the build up to the game and on the day itself. That said, every team have to deal with such things, and there is no choice but to get on with it.

“Yes, we have reflected, there were lots of other things in the game that we can learn from, and it’s a case now of being ready on Saturday to get right back on the horse. We are at home, the crowd will be behind us, and we have done it before. Of course it won’t be easy, but if we stay on task then there is no reason why we can’t do it again.”

📷Credit: Cornish Pirates

What’s on at the Mennaye

The shop and gates open at 1pm, with hospitality arrivals from 12.30pm. A new fan zone runs from 2.30pm to 3.30pm with Chester Ribbons and Steele Barker, and there are free squad photos for signing.

Warm ups begin at 2.30pm. Half time entertainment comes from Thatchers Cider and the Penzance Gymnastic Club cheerleaders, and post match awards follow the final whistle.

Cornish Pirates team to face Ealing Trailfinders

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

Replacements: 16 Matt Pritchard, 17 Jamie Clark, 18 Osman Dimen, 19 Josh King, 20 Luke Ratcliff, 21 Barnaby Elderkin, 22 Will Becconsall, 23 Finn Love.

Referee: George Selwood
Assistants: Emmerson Wood and Kevin Williams
Official 4: Paul Box

The match day sponsor is Brooks Financial Planning. The match ball sponsor is Truro & Penwith College.

📷Credit: Cornish Pirates