Having surprisingly lost at home the previous week to bottom side Richmond in the Championship, the Pirates turned their attention to British & Irish Cup action against London Irish on Sunday.
With a rotated squad the Pirates slipped to a 33-24 defeat leaving the exiles in control of their pool prior to next Sunday’s return fixture at the Mennaye.
Jack Arnott (2) and Will Cargill scored the Pirates’ tries with Cargill converting all three plus a penalty kick.
The Championship focus this week has been about the demise of London Welsh and the fragile state of professional rugby below the Premiership, a sad state of affairs.
In National League 2, Redruth didn’t get much joy on the road losing at London Irish Wild Geese 29-21. That result sees them still fifth but level on points with Canterbury who are sixth.
Alex Ducker (2) and Matt Gidlow scored the Reds’ tries with Angus Taylor converting all three.
In National 3 SW, Camborne extended their advantage at the top of the league with a 24-5 win at Lydney.
The Cherry & Whites’ tries came from Ben Kemp, Josh Semmens and Ben Drew with Rhys Brownfield converting all three scores as well as a penalty.
With Old Redcliffians losing at Bournemouth 29-23, Dings Crusaders are now Town’s nearest challengers and they travel to the Rec this Saturday!
Launceston lost heavily at Cleve 38-0 following last week’s loss to Lydney they now find themselves 9 points adrift of safety in the relegation zone. It will be another long season at Polson sadly!
In the Tribute Western Counties West all our sides lost losing ground on the top three. Truro’s bad patch continues as they lost 25-13 at Exeter Uni. Alex Sutheridge scored their try converted by Ashley Hosking who also kicked a couple of penalties.
Wadebridge Camels lost at leaders Devonport Services 25-10. Mike Rawlings scored their try converted by James Grubb who also added a penalty.
St. Ives got a losing bonus point in their 17-13 defeat at Crediton. Ben Taylor scored a try converted by Jordan Gott who also kicked a couple of penalties.
St. Austell also bagged a losing bonus point from their defeat at bottom side Wellington 22-18.
Hector Bright and Liam Freeman scored the Saint’s tries with Freeman kicking two penalties and a conversion.
Bude went down at Cullompton 23-0.
In London 2 SW, London Cornish reached the mid-point of their league season nine points clear having won all their games, their latest a 28-15 win at London Exiles.
Cornish scored three tries in the final quarter to make sure of a bonus point win with their final try scored by Matt Hakes.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth continues to set the pace at the top winning 23-16 at Bodmin. The home side gave the Eagles a stern test with Falmouth only sealing the win in the final moments.
Penryn continued their comeback with a fine 34-0 win in appalling conditions at the Memorial Ground. Ben Trevaskis scored a hat-trick of tries with Andrew Seviour and Matt Horton also crossing. Horton kicked three conversions and a penalty.
Lanner continue to put distance between themselves and the drop zone following a 24-22 win against Saltash. Bevin Stone (3) and Jack Kessell scored the Falcons’ tries with Nick Prout adding a couple of conversions.
Pirates Amateurs lost 29-5 at Withycombe, Kevin Stevens with their only try.
The Tribute Cornwall League has completed it’s first phase before Christmas. The top eight sides will play each other in Cornwall 1, whilst the bottom seven will compete in Cornwall 2 in the New Year.
Helston secured their place in Cornwall 1 defeating challengers Perranporth 29-5.
Cornwall 1 will comprise of, Hayle, Liskeard-Looe, St. Agnes, Newquay Hornets, Camborne School of Mines, Helston, Veor and Roseland.
Cornwall 2, Perranporth, Stithians, Lankelly-Fowey, St. Just, Illogan Park, Camelford and Redruth Albany.
