Thanks to Cornish Pirates & Woll for the match report and also Simon Bryant for the picturesCornish Pirates 30-3 Cross Keys
British & Irish Cup Round 4
At The Mennaye Field Penzance
Woll's Match Report
Thirty years ago and almost within sight of The Mennaye, the real meaning of bravery was redefined by the actions of the crew of the Solomon Browne. Tragically, it was the ultimate outcome that provided the reason for the very emotional sixty seconds prior to today’s kick off; an annual show of respect, impeccably observed, and a humbling reminder of what really constitutes perspective.
Not a bad thing given the past few days and concerns regarding future Pirates plans; but at least this particular cup tie could be played in the knowledge that they are clearly progressing, if a little behind original timescales. Something that post match, Chris Stirling confirmed and re-iterated his intention to remain part of, hopefully dispelling any remaining question marks.
Just as well then, that attention could focus back on to the field of play so quickly even if this clash was in effect a ‘dead rubber’; both sides having already booked their quarter final berths. Something that may have contributed to a game that never really hit the heights one would have hoped for.
Not that Matt Evans would be too bothered; as the winger helped himself to a couple of tries to put any hopes a much changed Cross Keys side may have had of causing an upset, well and truly to bed. Something that allegedly the visitors eventually managed during their overnight stay, the evening prior.
A scrappy contest then, took a good fifteen minutes to ignite, as Thomas coming in at full back, saw a couple of early pots miss their target; denying the Pirates some reward for their early pressure.
But pressure there was, and the Keys were already creaking before Hodge incurred a ten minute spell on the sidelines for his troubles, as his colleagues just couldn’t please Mr. Harding at all. So much so, that the official finally decided to trot under posts to disturb the scorers for the first time on the quarter hour. Ceiron this time doing the honours.
As if on cue, this sparked the Welshmen on against his countrymen. Five minutes later, he put Evans through on the left for his first score in the Old Western National Corner, in an identical manner to one in the first minute that didn’t end quite so successfully. Keys full back, Andrews’ timely intervention, preventing the perfect start for the Pirates on that occasion.
At this point a flurry of points seemed likely, as the gulf between the teams on the day threatened to be reflected in a large score line. As it materialised, only two further Thomas penalties came forth and so a 20 point gap at the break had to suffice.
Après tea and the first drama revolved around Chris Morgan and a gash to his head, that gave his otherwise boyish features, a menacing red war paint shade. The flow of the red stuff happily ceased after liberal use of the magic towel, but the image no doubt remained with all and sundry; perhaps raising a few blood pressures in the process. A spat between the impressive Doherty and his opposite number, Owens, seemingly occurring soon after.
This earned the pair a lengthy lecture from Mr. Harding, but no further punishment. The clips on the ears from fellow players, apparently being sufficient from afar.
Cattle meanwhile was thrown on to spare James any further pain, and for a few minutes it appeared that the Pirates may well find that extra gear. Ward in true Wardy style roused the crowd with his usual ball stealing exploits and bullocking runs as well. But it was the visitors who scored next as they nailed their only points of the afternoon with less than half hour remaining, as Mills landed a 30m penalty.
Minutes later, a 45m attempt by Andrews went well wide and joined his earlier attempt at bringing the Pirates TV gantry down, as moments best forgotten.
In fact, this was about as good as it got for the Welsh Premiership side as they began to feel the force of the Pirates pack turn up the heat once more.
Several catch and drives threatened, until Thomas’s boot finally ended what had been a stale period otherwise, with his third penalty of the afternoon.
Keys were creaking and once again upsetting Mr. Harding. Nash finally bit the bullet and took one for the team as their tempers frayed. A little aggrieved that the official hadn’t done similar to Suniula for a high challenge not long before. Regardless the talcum powder flurried and some animation in front of the main stand almost distracted sufficiently for many to miss Evans’ second dot down, as ‘talks’ continued on the touchline.
Any chance of an escalation in hostilities were quashed however, as Cowan’s final charge ended in a knock on, and Mr. Harding calling time; no doubt with half an eye on getting to the bar in time for drinks with the retiring Nigel Higginson.
If calculations are correct, then Nottingham will have to visit the Mennaye twice in the New Year come the next round of the British & Irish Cup. Interesting no?
Cornish Pirates
15 C. Thomas 14 D. Daniel (21 R. McAtee 53mins) 12 G. Pointer (22 S. Hill 75mins) 13 A. Suniula 11 M. Evans 10 M. Dorrian 9 J. Doherty (20 G. Cattle 48mins) 8 B. Maidment 7 P. Burgess 6 C. Morgan (capt) (18 B. Cowan 71mins) 5 M. Myerscough (19 K. Marriott 53mins) 4 M. Smith 3 R. Brits (1 R. Storer 70mins) 2 D. Ward 1 R. Storer(16 A. Paver 53mins)
Replacements: un-used 17 R. Elloway
Tries: Penalty, Evans 2
Cons: Thomas 3
Pens: Thomas 3
Cross Keys
15 L. Andrews 14 K. Baller (20 J. Robinson 59mins) 13 L. Williams 12 N. Williams 11 M. Johnstone 10 S. Mills 9 O. Jones (c) 8 R. Williams (16 R. Nash HT) 7 C. Trayhern 6 M. Popham 5 L. Rawlins 4 D. Hodge 3 M. Jones (18 C. Gould 55mins) 2 J. Sollis 1 I. George
Replacements: un-used 17 G. Price, 19 T. Lampard, 21 P. Williams, 22 R. Dyer
Pen: Mill
Yellows: Hodge, Nash
Match Officials
Referee: Simon Harding (RFU)
Assistants: Tom Foley & Nigel Higginson
Referee Coach : Jerry Wallis
Man of the Match: Matt Evans
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