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Eye on the Opposition- Cornish Pirates
John Vaughan12 Apr - 08:52
In form Pirates come to Chinnor for the first time
We welcome an in form Cornish Pirates to Kingsey Road on Saturday. It will be the Cornishmen’s first ever visit to Chinnor in what promises to be another titanic clash of Championship ruby. After a rather uncharacteristic shaky start to the season caused by a large injury list to key players the Pirates have found some real form in recent weeks and have climbed the table to 5th. No doubt they’ll be looking for another top 3 finish after achieving 2nd last year.
Since their win against Chinnor 15-13 in late November Pirate’s went on a long unbeaten streak and have continued that form into the latest phase of fixtures. Big wins against London Scottish and Cambridge in between a closely fought defeat away at Bedford. In the warm spring sunshine Pirates scored a stunning 65 points against Cambridge last week and the hard, fast tracks really suit their high tempo game plan. A very dangerous back 3 of Trewin, Wedlake and McNab will look to run at any opportunity. Captain Alex Everett has been in really good form since his return from injury and is joined in the back row by MLR star Fintan Cloleman. Pirates also benefit from a really close relationship with Exeter Chiefs and have historically given many Chief and future England stars of the future their first taste of senior rugby. In the squad this weekend they have Chief loanees Bell, Ribbons and Becconsall along with the dangerous Agbondon from Ealing. Jay Tyack will be given a warm welcome from Chinnor supporters after playing a season in 2018 before moving to Worcester and Bristol.
Pirates are coached by former players Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle and they have grown into a highly influential and successful coaching team.
Chinnor’s playing ranks have been bolstered with some real quality Pirates players over the years. Just at fly half we have had the outstanding Jonny Bentley and Laurence May who both had hugely successful careers at the Mennaye. Curiously own legend Kieran Goss first played at fly half on loan from the Pirates before becoming a Chinnor player and try scoring machine on the wing. So there is a strong bond between the two clubs even though this is their first visit, We look forward to hosting our friends from the west but will be giving 100% to ensure it’s along trip home.
Since their win against Chinnor 15-13 in late November Pirate’s went on a long unbeaten streak and have continued that form into the latest phase of fixtures. Big wins against London Scottish and Cambridge in between a closely fought defeat away at Bedford. In the warm spring sunshine Pirates scored a stunning 65 points against Cambridge last week and the hard, fast tracks really suit their high tempo game plan. A very dangerous back 3 of Trewin, Wedlake and McNab will look to run at any opportunity. Captain Alex Everett has been in really good form since his return from injury and is joined in the back row by MLR star Fintan Cloleman. Pirates also benefit from a really close relationship with Exeter Chiefs and have historically given many Chief and future England stars of the future their first taste of senior rugby. In the squad this weekend they have Chief loanees Bell, Ribbons and Becconsall along with the dangerous Agbondon from Ealing. Jay Tyack will be given a warm welcome from Chinnor supporters after playing a season in 2018 before moving to Worcester and Bristol.
Pirates are coached by former players Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle and they have grown into a highly influential and successful coaching team.
Chinnor’s playing ranks have been bolstered with some real quality Pirates players over the years. Just at fly half we have had the outstanding Jonny Bentley and Laurence May who both had hugely successful careers at the Mennaye. Curiously own legend Kieran Goss first played at fly half on loan from the Pirates before becoming a Chinnor player and try scoring machine on the wing. So there is a strong bond between the two clubs even though this is their first visit, We look forward to hosting our friends from the west but will be giving 100% to ensure it’s along trip home.
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