Cornish Pirates to Play Ampthill at Camborne After Storm Damage

The Cornish Pirates will play their Round 14 Championship fixture against Ampthill at Camborne this Saturday, with kick off at 2pm, following storm damage at the Mennaye Field in Penzance.

The change comes after Storm Goretti caused severe damage to the main grandstand at the Mennaye, creating ongoing issues. By amicable agreement, the match has been moved to Camborne’s Recreation Ground.

Match Moved After Storm Damage

Despite the short notice change of venue, a big crowd is expected at Camborne. The ground holds fond memories for the Pirates, who played there for four seasons before going on to win the British & Irish Cup for the first time in May 2010, beating Munster 23 to 14.

The club has extended sincere thanks to Camborne for accommodating the fixture.

Focus on Second Half of the Season

The Pirates have not played since their away game against Coventry on New Year’s Day. Joint head coach Gavin Cattle said the break has allowed players to rest ahead of the second half of the season, as the team looks to climb the league table after losing five matches in a row.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Gavin said the performance at Coventry was one they could take positives from in terms of physicality. He added that having more players returning to availability has helped in training, including flanker Alex Everett, who returns from injury and will captain the side.

Gavin also thanked Camborne for stepping in at short notice and described the Recreation Ground as a familiar venue, noting that both he and fellow joint head coach Alan Paver have played there in the past, as has Ampthill head coach Dave Ward.

He added that the way Penzance & Newlyn and the Cornish Pirates have worked together off the field during the disruption has been transparent, and that the Mennaye is hoped to be available again very soon.

Team News for Saturday

The Cornish Pirates side to face Ampthill is as follows:

Cornish Pirates:
15 Iwan Price-Thomas, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Joe Elderkin, 11 Matty Ward, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks;
1 Alessandro Heaney, 2 Sol Moody, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Charlie Rice, 5 Josh King, 6 Alex Everett (captain), 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Tomi Agbongbon.

Replacements:
16 Matt Pritchard, 17 Billy Young, 18 Ollie Andrews, 19 Milo Hallam, 20 Alfie Bell, 21 Will Rigelsford, 22 Louie Sinclair, 23 Ben Cambriani.

Match officials:
Referee: Hamish Grant
Assistants: Mike Lamb and James Pidding
Official 4: Will Williams

Match Day Sponsor: Trewithen Dairy

The game takes place at Camborne Recreation Ground this Saturday, 23rd January, with kick off at 2pm.