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.

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.

Falmouth Packet: Effort in action from Cornish Pirates' hooker Max Norey.Effort in action from Cornish Pirates' hooker Max Norey. (Image: Brian Tempest)

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, before just on half-time the Pirates extended their lead when Norey’s converted try made it 14-6.

Looking for a good start to the second period, the Pirates got just that, with another very good try.

The ball was worked well to the right, and registering his first score in Pirate colours was full-back Will Trewin, who ran, kicked and chased for an impressive touchdown at the Newlyn gate corner.

Falmouth Packet: Three Cornish bred Pirates, namely Will Trewin, Arthur Relton and Will Gibson celebrate full-back Trewin's try.Three Cornish bred Pirates, namely Will Trewin, Arthur Relton and Will Gibson celebrate full-back Trewin's try. (Image: Brian Tempest)

Striving for a bonus point providing fourth try was now the focus, and the Pirates twice went very close, only to be repelled by their admirable opponents who then suddenly took play the whole length of the field and scored a converted try of their own through flanker Caleb Montgomery.

He and replacement backrower Paddy Ryan were two former Pirates in Ampthill’s ranks.

A scoreline now reading 19-13 was one to concentrate minds, and when a long-range penalty kick option was one attempted by the Pirates, it was not only well-slotted by replacement Arwel Robson but also opened up a nine points advantage.

Falmouth Packet: Centre Shae Tucker scores the first try for the Cornish Pirates.Centre Shae Tucker scores the first try for the Cornish Pirates. (Image: Brian Tempest)

Throwing a little caution to the wind, good play from number 8 Seb Nagle-Taylor, centre Tommy Wyatt, Trewin, replacements AJ Cant and Ruaridh Dawson, almost saw the latter run clear, only for a knock-on to spoil the party.

Fear not, however, as the team’s sought-after fourth try would quickly materialise when Relton intercepted and made it a personal haul of five in three Cup matches.

Ampthill followed up with a consolation try, scored by Rankin at the clubhouse corner, whilst all in all the Pirates and their supporters could feel quite content at the end of what was an entertaining afternoon.