Pirates Envisage a Likely Fast Contest

The Cornish Pirates will welcome Bedford Blues to the Mennaye Field on Saturday, in the quarter-final of the Championship Cup.

The 1^st Leg encounter in Round 2 of the competition, which the Pirates qualified for as one of two clubs in the competition with a best losing playing record from Round 1, promises to be the usual entertaining and likely high-scoring affair.

The Pirates make just one change in their pack from the one that started in the 32-20 defeat at home to Doncaster Knights last Saturday, with prop Jack Andrew set to make his 199^th appearance for the club.

In the backs, Carwyn Penny returns to the side at full-back, AJ Cant and Tommy Wyatt are this week selected on the wings, whilst club captain Nicolas De Battista and Rory Parata will form the centre pairing.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Cup match encounter, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“We keenly await Saturday’s game, because we know Bedford invariably play in positive fashion and are an exciting team to test ourselves against.

“Look at them over the past decade and it is in their DNA, therefore it is something we’ll aim to match in a likely fast contest where the ball will be in play for a lot of the time – though it hopefully not too chaotic!”

Gavin added:

“The fixture also gives us a chance to look at different combinations, besides providing game time for certain personnel, and from our perspective overall it is a good Cup clash to have, both for the teams and the supporters.”

Tickets:   Tickets for Saturday’s fixture will be available at the gates on the day (open 12.30pm), whilst in the meantime they can also be purchased on-line. For further information please visit:                                                                                                                   

www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets