Will Ampthill Upset the Party? Milestone Match for Cornish Pirate Wing this Saturday

McNab Reaches 50 as Pirates Look to Keep Momentum

The Cornish Pirates return to the Mennaye Field this Saturday, 17th May, for Round 20 of the Championship, where they face Ampthill in a 4th versus 8th clash. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

The Pirates will be aiming to continue their strong second-half form, having built good momentum in recent weeks. They head into the match unchanged from last weekend, with no alterations to the starting line-up or bench.

One of the day’s standout moments will see wing Matt McNab make his 50th appearance for the Cornish side.

Previous Result Means Nothing Now

Although the Pirates beat the Bedfordshire visitors 33-17 away in December, Ampthill proved their threat last weekend, losing by just three points in a high-scoring local derby against Bedford (36-33).

Joint head coach Alan Paver said:

“Firstly, I think our guys have done extremely well, especially in the second half of the season to build a momentum. It is a pattern we have seen and experienced before, although there is no certainty it is going to happen. However, the present group have put a lot of hard work in, and they have been getting what they deserve.

“Looking forward to Saturday, there is an expectation and of course we should be confident, but at the same time we also know we have to respect Ampthill and what is in front of us, as at any given time we can be beaten.

“You don’t want to downplay it, because we are at home, but our aim is to prepare well in the training week and then see what happens on the day.”

Team Line-up

The Pirates team for Saturday is:

Starting XV:
15 Will Trewin
14 Robin Wedlake
13 Chester Ribbons
12 Joe Elderkin
11 Matt McNab
10 Bruce Houston
9 Dan Hiscocks
1 Billy Young
2 Matt Pritchard
3 James French
4 Charlie Rice
5 Josh King
6 Matt Cannon
7 Jack Forsythe
8 Alex Everett (captain)

Replacements:
16 Harry Hocking
17 Jenson Boughton
18 Ben Woodmansey
19 Fintan Coleman
20 Tomiwa Agbongbon
21 Will Rigelsford
22 Iwan Jenkins
23 Harry Yates

Referee: Dan Jones
Assistants: Jonathan Healy & Kevin Williams
Match Day Sponsor: A&P Williams Plastering
Match Day Collection: The YMCA

Festival Vibes Off the Pitch

It’s not just about the rugby. The popular Festival Season at the Mennaye continues, with live music and family entertainment lined up.

Fans can enjoy post-match singalongs with the Cadgwith Singers and Will Keating, alongside fun for all ages including a Callestick Farm ice cream trike, a bouncy castle, face painting, and games and giveaways with Tribute & Thatchers.

Kick-off is 2.30pm at the Mennaye Field in Penzance.