Pirates grind out a win..

Completing their first block of three games in this season’s Championship Cup, Pool C leaders the Cornish Pirates made it three wins on the trot with this worthy home win against Ampthill.

This contest promised to be a keenly fought affair, and it was, remembering that when the teams met at the Mennaye Field in the league back in October the Pirates snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Indeed, the 15-13 result was achieved in the very last seconds of the match, when wing Robin Wedlake scored a sensational try. 

The winger was one of three Pirates returning to the starting line-up for this contest, the other two being prop Marlen Walker and lock Will Britton.

Early afternoon showers made conditions a little slippery, and it difficult for handling, at the start of the match, as was clearly evident in the opening exchanges. Forceful for the Pirates were centre Shae Tucker and lock Cory Teague, and although the team went close to scoring on a couple of occasions it was all to no avail.

Ampthill’s half-back pairing of Lewis Finlay and Joshua Bragman were lively in endeavouring to see efforts of their forwards rewarded, and when a penalty kick opportunity was gifted in front of the Newlyn posts midway through the first half, full-back Conor Rankin stepped forward to kick the game’s opening points.

Keen to react, within two minutes the Pirates opened their account when scoring a terrific opening try. Hooker Max Norey’s line-out throw right was swiftly transferred to scrum-half Tom Kessell via the hands of lock Will Britton, and with ball moved left it was Tucker who ultimately crossed the line following good inter-play with wing Arthur Relton. Fly-half Harry Bazalgette also landed a fine conversion.

A second penalty from Rankin would bring the visitors to within one point of the home side, just on half-time the Pirates extended their lead when Norey’s converted try made it 14-6.

Read the full report by Phil Westren on the Pirates Website..

Picture: Brian Tempest