Playing their final pre-season fixture at home on the Mennaye Nurseries ground on Saturday, the Pirates Amateurs competed well against a Redruth side containing several experienced performers, including Lewis Vinnicombe, Richie Kevern, Darren Jacques and Peter Joyce.

Pirates Amateurs coach Murray Westren said: “This was a contest where both teams were evenly matched. Having trained together a little longer we were perhaps a little more organised, however their individual excellence tested us.

“Overall it was pleasing that we stuck to task and finished pretty strongly, and with a little more focus could have won the game.”

Try-scorers for the Amateurs were Sam Coogan and Stan Somers, with Isaac Blackbourne landing one conversion.

From what has been evident in pre-season the Pirates Amateurs have seen good numbers in training and are keen to do well. Players have put a stronger focus on developing their game, which is to their credit, plus it offers potential going forward.

The team open their 2019/20 Tribute Cornwall & Devon league campaign with a fixture at home to Plymstock Albion Oaks on Saturday, when local rugby supporters can play their part to get behind the side. Kick-off on the Mennaye Nurseries field is at 3pm.