Doncaster Knights 28 - Cornish Pirates 11

Taking the journey up north to Yorkshire, the Cornish Pirates expected a tough contest at Castle Park, and so it proved.

Playing well in their previous two matches, however, the team had likely travelled, and understandably so, with an increased level of confidence. Also, there were added bonuses, welcoming into the side their three Canadian Rugby World Cup competitors, namely Aaron Carpenter, Matt Evans and Brett Beukeboom, whilst Max Bodilly, who is dual-registered with and has featured for Exeter Chiefs this season, was listed among the replacements.

The first half of this game, with lock Beukeboom making his debut for the Pirates, was in general evenly contested, but when the Cornish side gifted Doncaster field position, the Knights took full advantage. They scored twice from driving mauls, leading to a try-brace for No. 8 Ollie Stedman, both converted by wing Dougie Flockhart. Sandwiched thankfully in between were two penalties slotted by Cornish Pirates fly-half Kieran Hallett, but there was also an unfortunate setback when they lost the services of No. 8 Carpenter through injury.

Approaching half-time the Pirates attacked with purpose, and they were desperately unlucky not to score a try. Skipper Alex Cheesman was the player who almost made it to the line, but his last ditch effort was thwarted by the combined efforts of home wing Tyson Lewis and full-back Paul Jarvis. It left the score-line reading 14-6.

A young Cornishman, fly-half Oli Bryant from Illogan, who is dual-registered with Leicester Tigers, kicked off the second half, and it wasn’t long before the home side extended their lead. Lewis made initial important yardage, and the when the ball was cleared from the breakdown it found the hands of impressive centre Will Hurrell who broke tackles and strode away to register a converted try.

The Pirates strived to get back into the match and Laurie McGlone looked likely to score, only to be denied by a forward pass. Evans and his fellow wing Jack Arnott also applied pressure to threaten, but without joy.

It was inevitable that the Knights should strive to register a bonus-point-providing fourth try, and following another telling surge by Lewis, skipper Michael Hills lent support to the advance and touched down at the posts. Adding the extra two points was, for Flockhart, a formality.

Changes of personnel were made and as the half progressed play opened up. For the Knights an effort from Hurrell was disallowed, whilst for the Pirates replacement prop Jack Andrew made a strong carry. Good play then from Cheesman and Evans did eventually lead to a try for the Pirates scored by Carpenter’s replacement, Will Graulich. Hallett’s conversion attempt drifted wide.

Called off the bench to make his 50th appearance for the Pirates, flanker Joe Atkinson was quick to take a seat again, for it was not long before he was frustratingly shown a yellow card. He did return to action nearing the very end, only for the Pirates to finish the match anyway with just 14 players, as Graulich was also directed to the sin bin.

Cornish Pirates’ Director of Rugby, Ian Davies, was expecting a tough contest, and it was. Speaking after the game, he said:

“Castle Park is a difficult place to visit and we knew it would be tough, as is every game in the Championship if you are not up to your mettle. We gifted Doncaster field position and they took advantage

“Energy levels were low and we were disappointed, however looking for positives we did score a cracking try, and it was good to see Max back playing for us, along with our Canadian contingent.”

Doncaster Knights: 15 Paul Jarvis, 14 Dougie Flockhart, 13 Mat Clark, 12 Will Hurrell, (Andy Bulumakau 75), 11 Tyson Lewis, 10 Oli Bryant, 9 Sam Edgerley (Brad Field 78); 1 Richard List (Jack Bergmanas 67), 2 Ben Hunter (Vili Veikoso 67), 3 Colin Quigley (WillGriff John 66), 4 Tyler Hotson, 5 Jon Phelan (Glen Young 73), 6 Alex Shaw, 7 Michael Hills (capt), 8 Ollie Stedman.

Replacement (not used): Latu Makaafi.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Toby May (Max Bodilly 56), 14 Jack Arnott (Jack Oulton 73), 13 Tom Riley, 12 Rheon James, 11 Matt Evans, 10 Kieran Hallett, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker (Jack Andrew 52), 2 Rob Elloway (Jack Innard 52), 3 Adam Jamieson (Alan Paver 63), 4 Laurie McGlone (Joe Atkinson 62), 5 Brett Beukeboom, 5, 6 Alex Cheesman (capt), 7 Sam Simmonds, 8 Aaron Carpenter (Will Graulich 20).

Yellow cards: Atkinson, Graulich.

Scorers:-

Doncaster Knights – tries: Stedman (2), Hurrell, Hills; cons: Flockhart (4).

Cornish Pirates – try: Graulich; pens: Hallett (2).

Referee: Ian Tempest (RFU)

Attendance: 1,219