Cornish Pirates impress against former European champions Saracens

THE Cornish Pirates put in a fine performance but were eventually edged out by the former European champions at the Mennaye Field on Friday night.

The Londoners had been staying in the Duchy in the days leading up to the match as they looked to avenge their shock league defeat back in 2021, while the hosts were boosted by the presence in the ground of former owner Sir Richard ‘Dicky’ Evans.

Following damage inflicted earlier in the year by ’Storm Goretti’, the main grandstand at the ‘Mennaye’ was not yet open. However, an otherwise inevitable sell-out crowd was present.

Skipper Alex Everett led the Cornish side out to the sound of ‘Sandstorm’, while the home bench included Camborne duo Josh Matavesi and Jon Drew.

It was not long though before the visitors – who named a mixed squad under returning head coach Brendan Venter – took control inside the Pirates half, which culminated with six minutes on the clock for a try scored at the scoreboard corner by Saracens’ long-serving winger Rotimi Segun. Former England international wing Max Malins, playing at fly-half, was luckless with his conversion attempt from out wide.

Maintaining pressure on their hosts, excellent slick handling led to a second unconverted try for ‘Sarries’, scored this time in the clubhouse corner by winger Fraser Rawlins.

It was all a little worrying, but as the early stages of the game panned out the Pirates showed levels of response with a fine driving maul, whilst their scrum too was sound. The mood of supporters was lifted and soon considerably so. Scrum-half Dan Hiscocks was busy, skipper Everett carried strongly, and when Robson nudged the ball right it was winger Arthur Relton who was identified as a try-scorer. Robson also added the extras.

The home side were showing what they were capable of, but two tries scored by Saracens before the break gave them a 22-7 lead. A first followed an outstanding run by full-back Jack Bracken. Malins’ third conversion attempt rebounded off a post, but he was successful when converting a fourth try scored out right by replacement hooker James Hadfield.

When the second half got underway, following an on-field half-time interview by Nick Knowles with England hooker Jamie George, fellow internationals including Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly were introduced to proceedings.

The Pirates got on the scoreboard again via replacement hooker Matt Pritchard following a well-worked move which was converted by Robson.

As for the final say, which made it 29-14 to Saracens, it was a second try scored by Rawlins and this time converted by Farrell that ultimately brought to an end such a fine contest in which both teams impressed.

Afterwards, there was plenty of time for supporters to liaise with the players, including Farrell who was the last man standing for autographs and photos.

CORNISH PIRATES: Angus Mawson; Arthur Relton, Chester Ribbons, Harry Ascherl, Henry Palmer; Arwel Robson, Dan Hiscocks; Jamie Clark, Morgan Nelson, Tyler Gendall; Milo Hallam, Steele Barker; Alex Everett (capt), Jack Forsythe, Hugh Bokenham. Replacements: Matt Pritchard, Jon Drew (guest), Alfie Petch, Matt Cannon, Josh King, Luke Ratcliff, Barnaby Elderkin, Tomi Agbongbon, Will Becconsall, Josh Matavesi (guest), Josh Radcliffe, Joe Elderkin, Finn Love, Joe Cummins.

Tries: Relton, Pritchard; Convs: Robson (2); Pens: N/A.

Pirates’ man-of-the-match: Tyler Gendall.