By Phil Westren
The Cornish Pirates will play the first leg of this season’s RFU Championship final at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, on Wednesday (ko 7.45pm), when a ‘full house’ is expected with the visit of London Welsh.
It will be the second season running that the Pirates have reached the final, remembering that they performed well against Worcester Warriors last year, despite losing 12-21 and 25-20.
The Pirates qualified for the final this year with an aggregate score of 63-53 from the twin-legged semi-final games played against Bristol Rugby, whilst London Welsh ended their two games against Bedford Blues with a 30-27 advantage.
Dave Ewers takes the No. 6 shirt for the Cornish Pirates following the news that flanker Chris Morgan unluckily broke his arm in the ‘semi’ at Bristol, and the full side selected is as follows:-
Cornish Pirates: R. Cook, G. Pointer, S. Hill, A. Suniula, D. Doherty, C. Thomas, G. Cattle (capt), K. Marriott, P. Burgess, D. Ewers, I. Nimmo, L. McGlone, A. Paver, D. Ward, C. Rimmer.
Replacements: R. Storer, R. Elloway, R. Brits, M. Smith, B. Maidment, T. Kessell, M. Evans.
Referee: Greg Garner (RFU) Assistants: Luke Pearce & Chris Sharp
Match Day Sponsor: Cornish Mining Match Ball Sponsors: The Cadgwith Singers
General information to note:-
Tickets: The club’s ticket office 01736-331961 is open until 5pm on Tuesday but will be closed on match day. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.cornish-pirates.com until 10pm on Tuesday and they are also available from various Warrens bakers shops about the county.
It is expected that terrace tickets will be available to buy at the gate on Wednesday evening but because demand is likely to be high the strong advice is to purchase needs in advance.
Gates & Bars – the gates and bars will open at 5.30pm.
Car Parking – the Isles of Scilly car park at Wherrytown on the western end of the promenade (by the Co-op) will be open at 5.30pm until 10.30pm. The parking fee is £3-00. Other car parks are available about and for those who park in the streets nearby please park sensibly and legally, taking due consideration for residents that live in the area.
Flags – don’t forget to bring your Cornish Pirates flags that were given out at our home semi-final. Wave them with passion and pride.
Falmouth Marine Band – we are delighted that the FMB will be in attendance once again, as will the Cadgwith Singers, as ever.
Arrive early – to avoid congestion at the gates, the advice is to arrive early.
Enjoy the game!
