Pirates Amateurs 50 Bude 31

Returning to Counties 1 Tribute Western West action on Saturday, the Pirates Amateurs secured this sought after bonus point win which keeps them at the top of the league, writes Phil Westren.

After flanker Tom Hutton was first to emerge from the tunnel for what was proudly his 100th appearance, it was not long before the Pirates opened their account. Power play saw them apply pressure at the Newlyn gate corner, and when the ball was moved swiftly left it was centre Sam Cahill who scored near the posts. Full-back Ben Wragg added the conversion.

Conditions on a sunny afternoon suited for running rugby, and the eager Pirates were keen to take advantage, as they did. By halftime Cahill had registered a hat-trick and there were two tries apiece for lively wingers John Tyler and Dan-Rhys Evans.

Wragg was also on target with a further three conversions. However, the Pirates did not have it all their own way, because the efforts of a spirited Bude team saw them score two tries in the first forty, one of which was converted, for the halftime score to read 43-12.

There was every expectation that the Pirates would continue to dominate overall, but this proved not to be the case, with considerable credit due the north Cornwall visitors for the level of attitude and performance they displayed.

The Pirates had played wonderfully well for most of the first forty, whilst in the second half, taking away a few letters, their performance at times appeared a little woeful. Bude scored an early converted try, and although the Pirates responded with such of their own, when lock Toby Osborne touched down and Wragg kicked the extra two points, that was it for the home side. Worryingly, they also lost the services of influential scrum half Sam Carter, with what looked like a lower leg injury.

Bude scored two more tries, the first of which earned them a four-try bonus point, and the last of which was converted, for the final scoreline to read 50-31.

Talking after the game, Cornish Pirates’ head coach Murray Westren had mixed feelings about his team’s performance. He commented: “We played some very good rugby, especially early in the match, but it was a different matter after the break.

“Due credit to our opponents though, who worked commendably hard throughout the game and deserved their losing bonus point.”

Murray added: With three games to go we are still the pacesetters, but can’t afford any slipups, as both Barnstaple II and Paignton are hot on our heels.”

Pirates Amateurs: 15 Ben Wragg 14 Dan-Rhys Evans 13 Sam Cahill 12 Harris Eddy 11 John Tyler 10 Oscar Marr 9 Sam Carter; 1 Dylan Arthur 2 Eli Williams 3 James Lambourn 4 Toby Osborne 5 Ben Martin 6 Tom Hutton 7 Sam Carroll 8 Stan Somers (captain).

Replacements: 16 Dave Penrose 17 Zak Chenoweth 18 Charlie Dalkins.

Bude: 15 Will Pharo 14 Ollie Denford 13 Ben Tharme 12 Joe Wilson 11 Ryan Butler 10 Brad Thomas 9 Ollie Rowland; 1 Hayden Charter 2 Rory Mead 3 Chris Allin 4 William Hockridge (captain) 5 Freddie Saxton 6 Harvey Cholwill 7 Matt Maniglia 8 Finley Fry.

Replacements: 16 Ollie Mounce 17 Nick Waterhouse