Cornish Pirates Prepare for Home Match Against Bedford Blues

The Cornish Pirates will be looking to respond on Friday night after their 40 to 24 defeat away to Worcester Warriors, a result that ended a run of six games unbeaten. With Bedford Blues arriving at the Mennaye Field for a 7.30pm kick off, the fifth versus third clash is shaping up to be a tough test.

Bedford have enjoyed their recent visits to Penzance, winning their last four matches at the ground. That includes a 38 to 26 pre-season win back in August.

Line-up Changes Ahead of Friday

The Pirates have made several adjustments from the side that ran out at Sixways. With Iwan Price-Thomas injured, Louie Sinclair shifts from fly half to full back. On the wings, Harry Yates is joined by a fit again Arthur Relton.

Arwel Robson, who came on early last week, keeps the fly half role, while in the forwards Matt Cannon moves into the back row after also being used off the bench at Worcester.

Coach Joe Walsh’s Thoughts

Cornish Pirates coach Joe Walsh said:

“A six day turnaround following our match against Worcester is perhaps not ideal. However, we are at least at home, and hopefully in front of an expected big crowd.

“The lads always appreciate the support in those closely fought games, as Friday’s is likely to be. They are great occasions, and are certainly my favourites, especially when two teams near the top of the division are battling it out.”

Joe added:

“At the end of the day Bedford are visiting to us, so we need to try and put our game and DNA onto the pitch and impose our game on them. As always, the good old Mennaye will also no doubt have a say.”

Full Team for Friday

Cornish Pirates
15 Louie Sinclair
14 Arthur Relton
13 Chester Ribbons
12 Joe Elderkin
11 Harry Yates
10 Arwel Robson
9 Dan Hiscocks (captain)
1 Billy Young
2 Morgan Nelson
3 Alfie Petch
4 Charlie Rice
5 Alfie Bell
6 Matt Cannon
7 Josh King
8 Tomi Agbongbon

Replacements:
16 Matt Pritchard
17 Alessandro Heaney
18 James French
19 Luke Ratcliff
20 Rory Suttor
21 Will Rigelsford
22 Ben Cambriani
23 Matty Ward

Referee: Harry Walbaum
Assistants: James Milliner-Woodcock and Kevin Williams
Official 4: Will Williams

Match Day Sponsor: DA Giles
Match Ball Sponsor: Classic Builders
Match Day Collection: Cornwall Air Ambulance

Friday night’s match offers the Pirates a chance to respond quickly and protect their home turf. With Bedford on a strong run at the Mennaye, it could be one of the division’s standout fixtures this weekend.