Kingsbridge vs Pirates Amateurs: Match Report

Photo: Full-back Ben Wragg who scored 14 points in the match

‘Ams’ Impress in 2025 Opener

by Phil Westren

Kingsbridge 5   Pirates Amateurs 29

Quick to regain their focus after a two week break for Christmas, the Pirates Amateurs maintained their good form with this excellent win on the road.

Kingsbridge were previously unbeaten at home in Counties 1 Tribute Western West this season, so there was a big well done to a Cornish side for performing so well, despite missing several key performers. It provided an example, of course, of the squad’s strength, and there was due credit due the players who came in.

Making his debut, wing Quinn Cross scored the game’s opening try midway through the first half, for full-back Ben Wragg to then add the extra two points, besides him landing a penalty just before the break to give the Pirates a 10-nil lead.

The host scored their one try in the game early in the second period, before the dominant Pirates added three more of their own through man of the match prop Joe Best, flanker Sam Carroll and Wragg, two of which he converted.

Not only did the ‘Ams’ register a four try bonus point, but they also showed their mettle defensively, and especially so in the last 10 minutes when they refused to buckle.

Commenting after the match, head coach Murray Westren said:

“Having secured our local derby victory at home to St. Ives just before Christmas, to win in Devon against Kingsbridge made a very good start to 2025.

“We knew how able and dangerous our opponents could be, so it was important for us to maintain a focus, which we did, with great credit also to the lads who were given their chances.”

Murray added:

“We are next at home this coming Saturday for a 2^nd versus 1^st clash in the league against table toppers Paignton, who beat us 32-30 on their own patch back in October. Our challenge will be to reverse that result in a game that should hopefully attract a big crowd to the Mennaye.”

Pirates Amateurs:   15 Ben Wragg 14 Declan Marshall 13 Josh Semmens 12 Harris Eddy 11 Quinn Cross 10 Oscar Marr 9 Sam Carter; 1 David Penrose 2 Eli Williams 3 Joe Best 4 Nick Nowell 5 Ben Martin 6 Toby Osborne 7 Sam Carroll 8 Stan Somers (captain);

Repacements:   16 James Lambourn 17 Wes Eddy 18 Charlie Dalkins.

Photo: Full-back Ben Wragg who scored 14 points in the match