Following their uplifting 43-12 points win at home to London Scottish last Sunday, the Cornish Pirates have a long journey away to play Caldy on the Wirral this Saturday (ko 2pm).

An eighth versus ninth contest in Round 17 of the ‘Champ’, the clear indicators are that it should be close, noting too that both sides have to date this season each acquired 43 league points.

One change in the Pirates starting line-up sees Harry Yates named to partner Chester Ribbons in the centre, whilst on the bench the one fresh face keen again for action is winger Matty Ward.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s contest, Cornish Pirates’ coach Joe Walsh has said:

“Reflecting an overall good win against London Scottish on a sticky pitch at Camborne last Sunday, which was a result needed, I felt we performed well. Our set piece took strong steps forward, and I am really pleased for the lads and their uplifting performance.

“As for this weekend, there is a little extra pressure on us with a six-day turnaround, but that’s a challenge we have handled once already this season. Indications are though that it should be close against a team who traditionally have a very able scrum and maul but also have certain other strong additions this year, including their halfbacks.

“For us, we will be looking to maintain our discipline, noting that it wasn’t until the 28^th minute that we conceded a first penalty last Sunday, plus we’d like to see more rewards from those areas where we dominate play.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection for Saturday is as follows:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Angus Mawson 14 Arthur Relton 13 Chester Ribbons 12 Harry Yates 11 Ben Cambriani 10 Louie Sinclair 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 Alessandro Heaney 2 Sol Moody 3 Alfie Petch 4 Milo Hallam 5 Josh King 6 Alex Everett (captain) 7 Luke Ratcliff 8 Tomi Agbongbon.

Replacements:   16 Matt Pritchard 17 James French 18 Ben Woodmansey 19 Matt Cannon 20 Rory Suttor 21 Will Rigelsford 22 Arwel Robson 23 Matty Ward.

Referee:   Jonathan Cook

Assistants:   Jack Sutton & Simon Park

Official 4:   Brendan McGaffney