Pirates again frustrate fans in roller-coaster season

I took in both the Cornish Pirates and Redruth games last weekend. Whilst one was very exciting the other was, to say the least, a disappointment.

Redruth raced into a 22 point lead early in the second half and looked set for a bonus point win against Worthing, but a slip in concentration saw the visitors claw their way back to 22-17 and the Reds had to be content with just the four points.

reds ashley hosking
Photo – Ashley Hosking goal-kicking proved key for Reds

A key element in the Reds win was the goal-kicking of Ashley Hosking. He also got the Reds’ second try and edged the man-of-the-match award in my opinion.

You can read my West Briton report in the link.

Another 1 point loss for Launceston as they slipped to 22-21 defeat at Southend, with Brad Burr kicking a winning penalty for the Saxons deep into time added on.

Read Conrad Sutcliffe’s WMN report in the link.

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates had a great opportunity to move up the table with a win over struggling Doncaster Knights, but instead it was the Yorkshire side who showed the greater composure to earn a 30-13 win at the Mennaye in what was arguably the most disappointing Pirates’ performance of the season.

The only player who looked to shine in a sea of mediocrity was Max Bodilly who looked to go forward whenever he had the ball.

It was a shame that Western Morning News reporter Bill Sobey had such a dreadful game to cover in his final report for the paper before moving to a new career. I wish him well and will miss his excellent reports in the paper.

You can read Bill’s final report here, plus more reaction from Ian Davies in this link.

Now for catch up time in the regional leagues:

In Tribute Western Counties West a good win for Penryn over Tiverton 31-15. Ross Hancock’s Packet report in the link.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Pirates Amateurs scored a ton beating OPM’s 100-6 at the Mennaye.

At Lux Park in the basement battle South Molton won a dour game against Liskeard-Looe 12-0.

The Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup saw the first round of pool matches with Veor defeating St. Agnes in pool A, Roseland overcoming Camelford 29-0 in pool B, St. Just winning at Redruth Albany 20-10 in pool C and Lanner turning the tables on Helston 32-27 in pool D.

Congratulations to our Cornwall Under 20s for their terrific win at Charlton Park against Kent 25-18 in the quarter-finals of this season’s Under 20 County Championship. Cornwall now have a HOME draw in the semi-final against old foes Yorkshire on Sunday March 15, venue to be confirmed. See previous blog entry for report on the game.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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