By Phil Westren

COUNTIES ONE WESTERN WEST (SATURDAY)

Pirates Amateurs 73 Penryn 5

ON A DAY when legend Rhodri McAtee made his 300th appearance in a Pirates shirt, for the in-form home side the occasion was duly celebrated with this emphatic win at the Mennaye Field.

In total, the Pirates scored 11 tries in the match, one of which was fittingly touched down by McAtee.

Rhodri McAtee
Rhodri McAtee dives over in the corner. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

Full-back Ben Wragg was also again in good form, contributing 23 points thanks to a try and his nine successful conversions.

For Penryn, wing Bryn Rees Hawkins scored a sole try.

Ben Wragg
Pirates Amateurs full-back Ben Wragg breaks clear. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

Speaking after the game, satisfied head coach Murray Westren, who saw his side move up to second place in Tribute Counties One Western West, said: “We scored some lovely tries and often broke from deep with great attack. Our breakdown and support play were excellent throughout, as Penryn put a lot of bodies into the contact area.

“The positive results at present are a just reward for how hard and committed the lads are towards training, and how focused they are towards the game.”

Murray also added: “Oh, and what a wonderful celebratory occasion it was for Rhodri. He has had such a successful rugby career and can still light up the field with his play.”

Rhodri 300 tankard.
Amateurs’ head coach Murray Westren (left) presented a 300 games tankard to Rhodri McAtee (right). Also pictured is chairman Jack Nicholas. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

PIRATES AMATEURS: Ben Wragg, John Tyler, Rhodri McAtee, Josh Semmens, Sam Cahill, Oscar Marr Sam Carter; Dylan Arthur, Ted Hocking, Dave Penrose, Toby Osborne, Ben Martin, Tom Hutton, Sam Carroll, Stan Somers (capt). Replacements: Eli Williams, Nick Nowell, Jake Hole.

Tries: Somers (2), Cahill (2), Martin (2), Carter, Tyler, McAtee, Wragg, Hutton; Convs: Wragg (9); Pens: N/A.