A try from flanker Alex Cheesman, in the final minutes of a pulsating match, allowed fly-half Laurence May the chance to kick a conversion to win the game. May didn’t flinch, and the Pirates won their Championship game by a single point 32-31 against Bedford Blues, to earn five invaluable points which sees them climb off the foot of the table.
Trailing 21-10 at the break, the Pirates had to fight back throughout the second half only snatching the lead at the death.
Jack Arnott scored a first half try converted by May who also kicked a penalty.
In the second half Canadian World Cup stars skipper Aaron Carpenter and winger Matt Evans scored tries to bring the Pirates back to within a point, but the Blues stretched away again before Evans scored his second, then Cheesman’s late strike and May’s extras ensured a happy finale for the Pirates.
Cornish Pirates Director of Rugby Ian Davies (pictured) was delighted with attitude and effort from his side especially during the final twenty minutes: “That was a great win. I’ve said we are a momentum team and I think you’ve see that by the way we played in the second half. Brett Beukeboom came on shored up the line out and changed the game.
“Matt Evans was another who was a real warrior for us today, geeing the boys on and getting two tries. Laurence May and Stuart Townsend really controlled the game for us at the end there. These lads are just out of nappies, but showed great maturity today. That last conversion for Laurence was a pressure kick.”
Redruth dug deep to earn a fine 10-7 win at Clifton in National League 2 South, thanks to tries from hooker Richard Brown and No.8 Kyle Marriott, who had another fine game for the Reds.
Cambridge proved far too good for the Cornish All Blacks at Polson Bridge, winning 33-8. Jamie Salter scored CABs’ only try, with Fraser Honey adding a penalty. The result leaves CABs 14 points from safety, which even at this stage of the season sadly looks a tall order.
I was at Camborne’s game on Saturday when the leaders took on second place Bridgwater & Albion in Tribute South West 1 West. The Cherry and Whites made it nine wins on the bounce with an impressive 24-8 win in difficult conditions.
Tries were scored by Richie Kevern (2), James Goldsworthy and stand in scrum-half, DoR 37 year old Liam Chapple, with Ben Stean adding a couple of conversions. The win put Town 9pts ahead of their nearest challengers with a points difference now of +250!
In Tribute Western Counties West, derby day honours went to Truro as they defeated Penryn 28-17. Former Borough star Darren Jacques scored two tries against his old side, with Ben Teasdale and a penalty-try award. “Eggy” Williams added all four conversions.
For the Borough Andrew Seviour and Alex Ducker scored tries with Ducker also kicking both conversions and a penalty.
Wadebridge Camels slipped to a third successive home defeat 13-5 to Kingsbridge, and are now just above Penryn at the foot of the table! Joe Pretty scored their sole try.
St. Austell lost at home to Crediton 19-18, a result that sees them worryingly close to the relegation scrap. Adam Kellow and James Martin scored tries with Cavan Boyer kicking the rest of the points.
Saltash also lost a close game at Moorlands to visitors Torquay Athletic 20-17. Max Venables, Olly Mulberry and Shaun Crawford scored tries, with Venables kicking a conversion.
In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude kept the pressure on leaders Withycombe, who they met at Bencoolen on Saturday, with a 31-0 win at Bodmin. Tim Green, Freddie Saxton, Olly Mounce, Olly Denford and Duncan Tout scored their tries with Dan Pearce kicking three conversions.
St. Ives won the Penwith derby against Pirates Amateurs at the Mennaye 30-0. Ben Jenkins, Tom Nicholas, Martyn Lawrence and Sam Carter scored tries with Grant Thirlby kicking two conversions and a couple of penalties. A game that ended with a red card for Ams’ Matt Stephens for throwing a punch!
Falmouth slipped up at Paignton 13-8 but picked up a losing bonus point. Justyn Irons scored all their points.
Hayle lost on their travels to Devon 18-13 to Honiton. Mark Lea scored the Lions try with Steve Richards adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.
Newquay Hornets lost at Exeter Saracens 32-21. The Hornets scored three tries through Chris Morris, Ryan Johns and Alex Whitchurch with Johns bagging all three conversions.
In the latest round of Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup games there were wins for Veor 38-7 over Perranporth, Roseland 31-0 at Lankelly-Fowey, Lanner at home to Stithians 36-0 and Camborne School of Mines 72-0 against St. Just.
In the Trelawny’s Army Colts League Redruth defeated Launceston 39-5.
Cornwall Ladies U18 lost their Tamar Cup clash against Devon 36-12. Cornwall’s tries were scored by Michella Roberts (Camborne) and Rebecca Nightingale (Newquay Queen Bees) with Brittany Andrewartha (Helston Hell Cats) kicking a conversion.
