Cornish Pirates 19 London Scottish 0

One for the purists or no? Perhaps this was so – but with conditions worsening by the minute any hopes of a flowing, cohesive game disappeared soon after the break.

Mercifully – the elements had done the decent thing beforehand – and held off relatively speaking. Maybe Benji’s influence from above still rang loud for Cornish rugby – and the minute’s silence before kick off in his honour, was spared the drenching that was to follow? We can hope.

The delay in in total meteorological control of proceedings, also allowed some semblance of order for the hosts – who duly bossed an opening period – that even so commanded due care. For thirty five minutes at least, they set to with a confidence that belied any frustrations from the week before.

Just as well they did in hindsight, as all the points in the game, came in that ‘halcyon’ period. It wasn’t always pretty, but there were at least sparks that hinted of a more expansive version of the game. If…

Tries from both wings – Sirker & O’Meara – underlined this increasingly vain hope. Callum’s was the neatest, after some twinkle toes and strength from Carwyn Penny in the Exiles’ ’22’ to open the scoring seven minutes in.

Alex’s was more opportunistic – with some quick thinking from the returning winger after a loose pass on half way from Scots’ USA international, Lasike. His kicks ahead were eventually cleanly gathered under the Penzance End posts.

Try machine, Tom Channon meanwhile, nabbed his tenth try of the season five minutes before, to suggest more of the same could follow later on….

It wasn’t to be as Mother Nature stamped her authority on matters. Much to both sides’ chagrin in all likelihood. A scoreless second period ensued, which witnessed a spirited effort from the visitors, who’d sent most of the first period trapped in their own half. Fortunes reversed for them at the turnaround – but despite creating all the chances – some vigorous Cornish defence forced crucial handling errors. Particularly in the third quarter.

The final twenty saw the home side, at last gain a bit more territory and possession and go in search of that important fourth try. But with the pill like a bar of soap…it wasn’t to be.

Results elsewhere did though offer some solace. Make no mistake there are still more twists and turns to come….