This seventh versus eighth contest saw the Cornish Pirates deservedly prevail under Friday night floodlights at the Mennaye Field, in part to a particularly to a convincing second half performance.
With club captain John Stevens and the previous weekend’s appointed leader Tom Kessell both injured, the skipper’s armband for the Cornish Pirates was this week worn by hooker Will Crane.
In Kessell’s absence Ruaridh Dawson made a return at scrum half, whilst there were two changes in the pack. Harvey Beaton was named at tight-head prop and, with lock Will Britton having picked up an injury last time out, James Fender started alongside Cory Teague in the second row.
Considering the amount of rain that has fallen of recent, with thanks to the quite considerable work of ground staff, on an initially dry and calm January evening conditions were surprisingly good at the start of a match.
Immediate early pressure was applied by the Cornish Pirates, however the ‘Green & Whites’ soon worked their way up field following a strong carry by their skipper Josh Poullet. Indeed, holding territorial advantage deep in the Penzance half of the ground, they would open the scoring when in the ninth minute fly-half Jack Neville slotted an easy penalty kick on offer.
Lock James Fender secures line-out ball under the Friday night lights.
All but from the restart Nottingham threatened once more, this time through left wing Ryan Olowofela, as the Pirates were less than enjoying the opening quarter of the match.
Despite the team at least defending well, they could do little to prevent scrum half Liam Slatem landing a snap drop to extend the visitors lead.
After the Pirates lost the services of fly-half Harry Bazalgette, as he went off for a HIA, his replacement Arwel Robson was quickly into the action. An early run provided promise, and with further encouraging play from the Pirates they were soon on the scoresheet.
Awarded a penalty, Robson kicked out of hand to the right, and from the resulting line-out, and then catch and drive – one given extra support by several of the backs – it ended with skipper Crane scoring his fifth Championship try of the season.
On an inevitably difficult night for goalkickers, Robson was unable add the extras from out wide.
Pirates Keen to Put Up a Good Performance
