Pirates Consider Ampthill a ‘Tricky Customer’

Next up for the Cornish Pirates is a Round 11 match in the RFU Championship away to Ampthill on Saturday. Kick-off against the Bedfordshire side at their Dillingham Park ground is scheduled for the slightly earlier time of 1.30pm.

Presently ninth in the league table, the ‘Amps’ have won 3, drawn 1, and lost 5, with their most recent defeat, 54-17, recorded away to league leaders Ealing Trailfinders. The London side, who were always going to bounce back from their shock defeat at Doncaster the previous week, led 40-3 at the break, but Ampthill did manage to draw the second half and will no doubt pose a hurdle for the Pirates to negotiate.

Changes in the Cornish Pirates starting line-up this weekend sees Callum Sirker selected on the left wing, and Marlen Walker and Alfie Petch named as the propping pair, both making their first Championship starts of the season. A new face on the bench is replacement prop Ollie Adkins. A former England under 20s international, he is on a short-term loan deal from Gloucester.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s contest, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“I think Ampthill along with Hartpury are one of the two most improved sides in the Championship this season.

“Ampthill can certainly be tricky customers, as we found in the fixture at the Mennaye Field in April, when they departed with a 20 points to 18 victory under their belts.“

Gavin added:

“It is seen so often that if teams get the emotional level right then anything is possible, so we have to make sure we are suitably prepared and fully focused this weekend.”

Supporters unable to travel to the match should note that the usual excellent live match coverage will be provided by BBC Radio Cornwall, plus the game will be available to watch via Live stream with 24/7.

To book go to:   https://247.tv/gaa/champsrugby