Plymstock Albion Oaks vs Pirates Amateurs: Match Report

Published On: 20 January 2025Last Updated: 20 January 2025By CornishStuff

Photo: Coach John Stevens presented the ‘Man of the Match’ award to lock Ben Martin – Photo credit: Jack Nicholas

A Superb Win for the ‘Ams’

by Phil Westren

Plymstock Albion Oaks 28 – Pirates Amateurs 32

After opening 2025 with two pleasing Counties 1 Tribute Western West league wins away against Kingsbridge and home to league leaders Paignton, the Pirates Amateurs maintained their good form with this excellent bonus point win on Saturday away to previously third placed Plymstock Albion Oaks.

There were four changes in the Pirates XV from the one that started against Paignton. A fresh wing pairing was formed by Joey Norway and Dan-Rhys Evans, the latter having returned to the Pirates following a brief spell at near rivals St. Ives, whilst in the pack Tom Hutton was named in the ‘6’ shirt in place of Toby Osborne who moved up to his more familiar spot in the second row.

Weather-wise conditions at the home team’s Wembury Road ground in Plymouth were pleasingly good on an afternoon when the Pirates scored five tries in the match. Evans scooped two on his return and there was one apiece for hooker Eli Williams, flanker Sam Carroll, and centre Josh Semmens. Full-back Ben Wragg also kicked a penalty and two conversions.

The Pirates were actually losing 28-18 with just five minutes to go, but with perseverance and determination they conjured up their last two important tries through Carroll and Semmens, both of which were converted by Wragg. In the process it delivered a superb victory.

Just four points now separate the Pirates and league leaders Paignton, but with the Pirates having a game in hand. Another pleasing factor is that 16 members of the squad who featured on Saturday are products of Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s mini-junior section.

Commenting after the match, head coach Murray Westren said:

“Playing Plymstock Albion Oaks away is always a difficult fixture, and this was no different. It’s never an easy place to get a result so it was of great credit to the lads for again performing so well.

“After being 28-18 down, to have the desire to win the game with two converted tries in the last five minutes showed a resolve and hunger that was truly impressive. Hats off to them.”

Pirates Amateurs: 15 Ben Wragg 14 Joey Norway 13 Josh Semmens 12 Harris Eddy 11 Daniel-Rhys Evans 10 Oscar Marr 9 Sam Carter; 1 Dylan Arthur 2 Eli Williams 3 Joe Best 4 Toby Osborne 5 Ben Martin 6 Tom Hutton 7 Sam Carroll 8 Stan Somers (captain).

Replacements: 16 Dave Penrose 17 Nick Nowell 18 Jake Hole.

Man of the match: Ben Martin