Cornish Pirates 16 Jersey 10

FOR their last home game of 2015, the Cornish Pirates expected a ‘Christmas Cracker’ of a contest against Jersey at the Mennaye Field, and it was.

Home games during the Christmas holiday period also always attract a big crowd, and this was certainly the case This was the Pirates largest attendance so far this season for this tenth versus sixth in the league table clash.

When the teams emerged from the tunnel, ‘Pirate’ flag bearers from Perranporth and Newquay under 9s helped provide the colour on what was an initially dull afternoon at the ‘Mennaye. There were cheers too for their mascot representatives Amy and Colby who led the home side onto the field, hands excitedly clasped to those of skipper Aaron Carpenter and vice-captain Matt Evans.

The Pirates got off to a super start, with a try scored by Carpenter at the scoreboard corner duly converted by fly-half Laurence May. 7-0.

The Pirates were hungry for points, and were unlucky not to acquire three more when May’s fifth-minute penalty attempt rebounded off a post.

No worries, when a second chance materialised following a Jersey scrum collapse his clean strike put the Pirates into double figures. 10-0.

Maintaining pressure on their opponents, the Pirates acquired possession from a Jersey put-in and made good use of the ball through scrum-half Stuart Townsend, May, and centre Rheon James. Another penalty opportunity was awarded, and taken, by May. 13-0.

Jersey’s first visit to the Pirates ‘22’ was on the quarter of an hour mark.

A score looked likely, only for hopes to be initially dashed when full-back Aaron Penberthy was bundled into touch. The former Pirate would, however, soon get points on the board, as following a number of catch-and-drive-attempts the choice from a further penalty award was to kick for goal. His effort was on target. 13-3.

Using the wind to advantage, May once again opened up a 13 points gap when slotting his third penalty in the match, as the Pirates proceeded to display full commitment, their efforts typified by wing Jack Arnott, prop Marlen Walker and the team’s leader by example, Captain Carpenter.

For Jersey, wing Ross Adair threatened on a couple of occasions, whilst skipper and flanker Alex Rae also strived to rally his troops. A really competitive first half would end though, with the Pirates still 16-3 up.

During the interval a collection was made for CLIC Sargent, the club’s chosen charity this season, and the organisers also issued pink Santa hats to those making a donation for one.

The visitors started the second period at full throttle, their invigorated efforts with a muscular pack earning a just reward when No. 8 Uili Kolo’ofai drove over for a converted score. 16-10.

Jersey suddenly looked like a different team, and was likely they would take full advantage after the Pirates were reduced to 14 men following the yellow-carding of wing Evans.

The Jersey men didn’t. However, during a period when ferocity at the tackle area was immense, and battered bodies littered the field, to their credit players from both teams coped very well in conditions that were at first very wet and had now become somewhat sticky.

When Evans returned to the fray, the sun also made a welcome appearance, but at 16-10 the result of this match was still in the balance.

But the team’s defensive effort, and spirit displayed by the likes of man-of-the-match Laurie McGlone, with Carpenter also inspirational to the very end, earned the Pirates their third important Championship win on the trot. Together they had proved they were tough hombres, who had been up for the scrap.

With the Cadgwith crew soon to strike up, the crescendo of noise guaranteed carol singing at its best. There were Christmas smiles aplenty, and the strains of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ also provided a seemingly promising signal for the New Year ahead.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Toby May, 14 Jack Arnott, 13 Tom Hendrickson, 12 Rheon James (Max Bodilly 68), 11 Matt Evans, 10 Laurence May, 9 Stuart Townsend (Alex Day 16); 1 Marlen Walker (Adam Jamieson 63), 2 Tom Channon (Rob Elloway 63), 3 Alan Paver (Tyler Gendall 50), 4 Marcus Garratt (Jake Parker 50), 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Aaron Carpenter (capt), 7 Joe Atkinson (Dan Lee 68), 8 Laurie McGlone.