Following their RFU Championship opener away to Jersey last weekend, the Cornish Pirates first home game takes place this coming Sunday against Plymouth Albion. Kick-off at the Mennaye Field is at 3pm.
A 'derby' game between the cross Tamar rivals always attracts extra interest, and this is certainly the case in relation to this particular match. Both won their Championship openers, with the Pirates recording a 20-6 points win away to Jersey and Albion downing Doncaster Knights 27-22 in a tense game played at the Brickfields.
Former Pirates Rhodri McAtee, Tom Cowan-Dickie and Lloyd Fairbrother, all now with Albion, will be given a warm reception, as in turn will another familiar face making a quick return to the Mennaye Field in full-back Rob Cook. The talented star fills the gap vacated by Grant Pointer who was injured against Jersey, and he arrives back on loan to the Pirates having joined Gloucester earlier in the summer. Rob has featured for the 'Cherry & Whites' in pre-season friendlies and was in good form with the boot last Monday when taking over the kicking duties in Gloucester's 82-0 'A' league win against Worcester.
The team selections for Sunday are as follows:-
Cornish Pirates: R. Cook, T. Bedford, T. Riley, J. Fatialofa, M. Evans, K. Hallett, G. Cattle (capt), B. Maidment, P. Burgess, K. Marriott, G. Johnson, D. Lyons, B. Prescott, R. Elloway, P. Andrew.
Replacements: R. Storer, D. Semmens, C. Morgan, D. Barry, T. Kessell, A. Penberthy, A. Cheeseman.
Plymouth Albion: L. Messer, R. McAtee, P. Bailey, B. Armitage, J. Arnott, P. Roberts, P. Rowley, A. Carpenter, S. Hocking, H. Stupple, S. Michael-Stephen (capt), B. Beukeboom, L. Fairbrother, J. Vickers, J. Andrew.
Replacements: R. Cushion, T. Bowen, K. Fisilau, D. Morton, T. Cowan-Dickie, R. Nasiga, I. Ascroft-Leigh.
Referee: Matt Carley (RFU) Assistants: Jonathan Healy & Darryl Chapman
Assessor: Steve Leyshon
Match Day Sponsor: Towergate Insurance
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