PIRATES ROUND OFF FINE YEAR WITH WIN

The Cornish Pirates brought the curtain down on their playing record for 2007 with hard fought win over Coventry just as they had started the year. Whereas in January they squeezed home by a point 16-15, this time they scored five tries in a 36-21 success. It was by no means any easy win, the Pirates were made to work very hard by the visitors, who led 21-19 as the game approached the final quarter.

Coventry built up an early 8-0 lead thanks to a Ben Russell penalty followed by a try from lock Ian Nimmo. The Pirates responded with an opening try from centre Paul Devlin (the first of three for the afternoon) converted by Olly Thomas who started the game at fly-half. Brian Tuhoy then grabbed a second try in the corner for a 12-8 lead. Russell then kicked a second penalty to reduce the deficit. The Pirates stretched their lead once again when Devlin scored his second try which Thomas converted. Russell kicked a third penalty for the visitors to leave them trailing 19-14 at the turn. Coventry carried on where they left off after the break scoring a second try through fly-half Myles Dorrian with Russell kicking the conversion for 21-19 lead which they held on to until 69 mins. Gareth Steenson on for James Moore kicked a penalty for a one point lead, Devlin then completed his try scoring hat-trick to secure the vital bonus point, the fifth try came right at the end scored by Rhodri McAtee on for Tuhoy, Steenson adding the extras to both scores. Some fine performances in the Pirates pack with both locks Heino Senekal and Scott Hobson showing well.

No doubt the watching contingent from Mount’s Bay had much food for thought as they prepare to meet Coventry in the National Trophy encounter at the Mennaye.

Lady luck still shows no sign of favouring the Cornish All Blacks as they were cruelly beaten at Sedgley Park by 6-3. A low scoring match played in difficult conditions saw both sides turn around at 0-0. Jon Fabian kicked Launceston’s penalty goal during the second half.

In the only other game played in the duchy, Wadebridge Camels defeated St. Ives in the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup 50-13 scoring eight tries against their higher league opponents.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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