Pirates Have to Maintain Their Focus

Next up for the Cornish Pirates is a Round 6 game in this season’s Championship, to be played at the Mennaye Field against Coventry on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

The Pirates are presently fourth in the league table, whilst Coventry are eighth.

It might be Halloween weekend, and for many a time for trick-or-treating and playing pranks, whilst for the Pirates their aim will be to simply maintain their focus and seek to once again perform to a level sought.

There is just one change in the Pirates starting XV from the side that ran out at Nottingham last Friday night, with hooker James Benjamin named in the number ‘2’ shirt. It will be his first starting role since arriving in Cornwall back in September on loan from Welsh regional side Dragons Rugby. Back to fitness, a refreshed face on the bench is that of centre Shae Tucker.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s fixture, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“Coming away from Nottingham with five points last Friday night was very pleasing but as we know games in the Championship are tough and it will be no different this week.

“We expect Coventry to be smarting from a hefty defeat suffered against Ealing Trailfinders, so although our squad is a young and talented group their focus has to be to aim for consistency, respect the challenge, stick to the game plan – and never relax.”