FOLLOWING their recent convincing victory played away to London Scottish in this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup, playing the much-changed opposition at the Mennaye Field in their opening Championship league game of the season, the Cornish Pirates expected a much tougher contest, writes Phil Westren.
Under the glow of Friday night lights, the Pirates ultimately won this hard-earned and generally closely fought encounter when two late converted tries cemented their victory.
On such a foul evening weather-wise, handling errors by both teams were inevitable and, after failing to derive benefit following three early catch and drives, for the Cornish Pirates there was an understandable sense of frustration. It was also a little feisty, which led to referee Mr. Sellwood having a word with both skippers.
After visiting former Coventry full-back Will Talbot-Davies was off target midway through the first half with a penalty attempt, it was not long before the Pirates would open their account following a pinpoint 50-22 kicked by fly-half Iwan Jenkins. From a position deep inside the London Scottish half, hooker Morgan Nelson threw long and from the ensuing potent driving maul was then identified as a try-scorer to the left of the Newlyn posts. Jenkins added the extra two points.
Talbot-Davies was luckless with a second penalty attempt which went wide of the Penzance posts, and the score remained at 7-0 come the break.
Into the second period, a score for the visitors appeared more likely. They won several penalties deep in the Newlyn half and looked confident at scrum time, only for the Pirates to deny them time and again with a terrific defensive effort.
As the half wore on both sides emptied their bench, with the result of the game still in the balance. Indeed, with the clock ticking away the PA announcer congratulated both teams on their efforts in difficult conditions and commented an interesting last 10 minutes was on the cards.
Well, as it worked out the Pirates finished with a flourish, and although unable to secure a four-try bonus point, at least won with a bit to spare. Deserved man of the match full-back Dan John scored an excellent try, and there was also one touched down by replacement hooker Rhys Williams. Jenkins converted both.
Yes, stalwart home supporters were wet, and could have been forgiven for feeling a little miserable, but witnessing this victory in such conditions they were clearly delighted.
Speaking at the conclusion of Friday night’s encounter, Cornish Pirates’ coach Louie Tonkin said: "The match wasn’t a classic, not helped by the weather that dictated the terms of the game and made it very difficult for both teams to manage. However, having said that we were happy with the result as we managed to pull away with the two latest scores.
"I thought our defence was particularly good, with a lot of character shown. They had some really talented players in their team who caused a lot of problems, but the guys stuck at it, and we were delighted with our effort in that part of the game.
"Conditions inevitably made it difficult at the line-out for both sides, which for us was a pity after all the work put in during the week, although our two maul tries provided consolation.
"Also, our half-backs Ruaridh Dawson and Iwan Jenkins kicked very well out of hand, and we conjured up some excellent 50-22s, so that and to ultimately get the result on the evening provided just satisfaction."
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