Pirates Know What Hartpury Are Capable Of

Following the postponement of their home match versus Doncaster Knights last Sunday, for their final game in 2022 the Cornish Pirates will travel to Hartpury on Friday for a scheduled Round 11 fixture in the RFU Championship. The kick-off is at 7.45pm.

This game is a seventh versus eighth clash in the league, where a welcome win for the Pirates should see them leapfrog their opponents. Both sides have won 4 and lost 5 games this season, however Hartpury (21 points) presently lie one place above the Pirates (18 points) simply because they have secured 5 bonus points thus far this season compared the 2 by the Pirates.

In matches played between the two teams last season, the Pirates lost 37-18 away but later won 31-24 at home.

For Friday evening’s encounter back to fitness wing Robin Wedlake makes a return to action, plus it is good to see Garyn Smith named on the bench. Luckless with injury this season, he is pleasingly fit again and given the call will no doubt be raring to go. Also, with Ruaridh Dawson presently unavailable, Tom Kessell is named at scrum half and Alex Schwarz is listed among the replacements.

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

“To their credit, Hartpury beat us well at their ground last season, and in many aspects of the game. We therefore know what they are capable of and understand the challenge that lies ahead.

“We have naturally been disappointed with our start back into the league campaign, as although over the moon with our first half performances we haven’t been able to put it together for the full 80 minutes. That is something we need to address.

“As ever, the outcome will no doubt come down to critical moments, so desperate for a ‘W’ the guys have worked very hard in preparation and will be looking to get on the road to put their best foot forward.”