Chinnor's quest for a first win in Penzance continues as they succumbed to a late onslaught from the Pirates to eventually lose out 48-24. However the final score was not really a true reflection on a tough encounter that was in the melting pot until the last 5 minutes with a brave Chinnor ahead 22-24 with 15 minutes to play. The Pirates ultimately took advantage of Chinnor's indiscipline and the effect of playing 30 minutes with 14 men told as Pirates also unleashed a bevy of on loan Chiefs with fresh legs leading to Chinnor conceding 21 points in that last 5 minutes.

Chinnor's ability to disrupt the Pirates' lineout was providing dividends in the first stanza as JC intercepted the first 3 home throws and let the visitors weather early pressure. In their first attack a superb line and break from Izzy Wharton brought play to within metres of the line and an astute off load out of the tackle from debutant Tom Florence was expertly picked up by Nick Smith to dive over. Converted by Liam Richman Chinnor led 0-7 after 12 minutes.

Pirates struck back in a rather controversial manner when prop Heaney fly hacked through from a dropped high kick and charged though the midfield. He showed good pace but the danger was averted when Nick Smith covered back and clearly to 99.9% of the crowd grounded the ball in the in goal area. Unfortunately the 0.1% who didn't see this were the 2 officials who managed to convince themselves from some distance they had seen a clear Pirates grounding. Those of you with a long memory may remember another controversial decision in Penxzance involving a Chinnor fullback when Will Feeney's charge down score was disallowed for a non existent knock on, but you have to roll with the punches.

The Pirates' used this good fortune to get on top for the next 15 minutes and with Chinnor's inability to deal with the high ball gifting them territory and possession they struck in rapid succession with 2 scores to take a 19-7 lead with Harry Dugmore in the bin for jumping across.

Chinnor then showed their courage and attacked in the final stages of the first half putting the Cornishmen under immense pressure. Eventually a powerful surge from a driving maul saw Alun Walker almost inevitably touch down , 19-12 at Half time.

Chinnor really upped the ante early in the second half with the coastal zephyr in their favour Pirates down to 14. A miss pass put Jack Metcalf away down the right wing and the elusive winger scored with an excellently weighted chip and chase. This was quickly followed by another driving maul score this time from 15 metres out as the Chinnor pack careered over the line , and yes of course it was Walker in the vanguard. Several Pirates players could easily have been in the bin from this phase of play but no cards were shown as Chinnor took the lead for the second time, 22-24.

Chinnor now became their own worst enemy as time and again they misjudged high balls in the wind and also chose to kick long to the dangerous Pirate's back 3 giving them space to launch counter attacks. With JC a continued menace at lineout time maybe kicking for touch was the better option. However the biggest achilles' heel would prove to be indiscipline and getting on the wrong side of the pedantic officiating. First Walker was sin binned for pointing out to the referee that Pirates were illegally scrummaging with hands on the ground. his offence was apparently Gamesmanship. A new one for the lexicon. Pirates made the most of Chinnor missing their influential hooker with close range lineouts and a 2nd (this time perfectly fine) try from Heaney as they retook the lead. Worse was to follow as the immense JC was also yellow carded and now Chinnor were really up against it.

In the warm and sunny conditions with a fast track Pirates smelt blood and really upped the pace against a flagging Chinnor.

Chinnor will learn from the experience. Poor discipline and inability to defuse the bombs cost them dear after putting themselves in a position to win the match with 15 minutes to go. You can't give quality sides so many chances and expect to win.

Chinnor enter the first break of the season after 5 games in a good place- 20 poor minutes in the opening first game against Ealing and 15 poor minutes in the last against Pirates won't take away from the impressive rugby in between , including 3 wins. The boys will enjoy the rest and come back for FNL raring to go.

Chinnor- Rukhadze, Walker, Hardwick. Brockschmidt, Campbell, Dugmore, Wharton, Passman, Pascoe, Richman, Currie, Florence, Bourton, Metcalf, Smith

Replacements- Stott, Thompson, Darlington, Hall, Du Toit, Chamberlain, Lewis, Cave

Tries- Walker x2, Smith, Metcalf
Cons- Richman x2