Excitement Building for Visit of The Falcons

An early in the season 1st versus 2nd clash in the Greene King IPA Championship, will on Sunday see the Cornish Pirates welcome the strong Newcastle Falcons team to the Mennaye Field (ko 2.30pm).

Excitement has inevitably been building ahead of this contest, the Falcons the relegated team from the Premiership at the end of last season who are understandably clear favourites to bounce back. It will also be their first return to Penzance since September 2012, when on that occasion they departed 25-3 winners.

Newcastle Falcons not only have a gifted squad of players but their backroom staff also form an experienced group under Director of Rugby Dean Richards. They comfortably won their opening three matches in this season’s Championship Cup, in the process amassing 130 points, whilst in their first two Greene King IPA Championship games they won 17-13 at London Scottish and 45-7 at home to Hartpury RFC.

There are several changes in the Cornish Pirates starting XV from the one that ran out at Doncaster last Saturday, including Javier Rojas Alvarez switching from fly-half to inside centre in place of the injured Nicolas De Battista. Will Cargill will wear the ‘10’ shirt. As for the forwards, following injuries also suffered by Tom Cowan-Dickie and Will Wilson, Tom Channon is named at hooker and Tom Duncan at No 8.

Selected at tight-head prop is the experienced Craig Mitchell, replacing Jay Tyack who is named on the bench. Also listed among the replacements are fit gain Dan Frost and Rory Parata, each keen to return to competitive action.

Speaking ahead this weekend’s encounter, Director of Rugby Chris Stirling said:

Having got off to a good start with two wins in our opening league games, the visit of such a profile team as Newcastle Falcons will enable us to see where we are at. After a lot of preparation, our challenge is to maintain momentum and improve.

Expecting a big crowd. Chris added:

A cracking game of rugby is in store and our crowd can help our cause. It’s a big day for us, so when the going gets tough – as it will – their support can give us a lift.

Tickets for the game will be available at the gates on the day (space permitting), whilst they can also be purchased on-line. The gates open at 1230 ahead of the 2.30pm kick-off – for further information please visit:

www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets