Thanks to Phil Westren
Forget the leftover turkey and pud, as a true rugby feast surely awaits at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, on Boxing Day when the Cornish Pirates face Plymouth Albion in Round 11 of this season’s Greene King IPA Championship. The kick-off is at 3pm
The Pirates are always delighted to extend a welcome to their cross-Tamar rivals, as the history between the two clubs stretches back a long time, and for this latest encounter two gifted and important members of the Cornish Pirates squad, Junior Fatialofa and Matt Evans, are set to reach the 50 games milestone for the club. Indeed, the pair will have the honour of leading their team out onto the field, and in front of what should be the biggest crowd of the season at the Mennaye.
There are a number of changes in the Cornish Pirates line-up from the one that started against Jersey last time out. Craig Holland is named at full-back, with Kieran Goss moving to the wing, Junior Fatialofa makes a return at centre, and in the second-row Darren Barry is named to partner Will Graulich.
The full selection is as follows:-
Cornish Pirates: 15 Craig Holland, 14 Mike Pope, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Junior Fatialofa, 11 Kieran Goss, 10 Matt Evans, 9 Gavin Cattle (capt); 1 Jack Andrew, Rob Elloway, 3 Ben Prescott, 4 Will Graulich, 5 Darren Barry, 6 Chris Morgan, 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 James Phillips.
Replacements: 16 Tom Channon, 17 Shane Cahill, 18 Neale Patrick, 19 Joel Conlon, 20 Tom Kessell, 21 Angus Sinclair, 22 Alex Dancer.
Referee: Darren Gamage (RFU) Assistants: Fergus Kirby & Clare Daniels
Match Day Sponsor: Jewson
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Wozzon!
‘Rattler’ Strongman Challenge – This competition returns at half-time, compered by ‘Kernow King’ who will also be interviewing in the marquee post match. The strongman challenge should hopefully provide a little extra Cornwall versus Devon rivalry, with supporters from both teams taking part to win half price vouchers for pints of Rattler.
Post match entertainment – With Cadgwith Singers present we can expect some excellent carol singing to take place in the clubhouse after the game, whilst in the marquee there will be live band music to enjoy.
Tickets – Tickets for the match will be available at the gates on the day, which open at 1pm, and to avoid congestion the obvious advice is to arrive early.
Other games
RODDAS’ MILK CUP
CAMBORNE V REDRUTH KO 2-30 PM
PENRYN V FALMOUTH KO 2-30 PM
BAY SHIELD
ST. IVES V HAYLE KO 2-30 PM
There are many other games around the county, some kicking off at 11 am check clubs websites for details.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE & ALL – NADELIK LOWEN ONEN HAG OLL!