HEAD coach Murray Westren was full of praise for his Pirates Amateurs side after they were crowned champions of the Counties 1 Tribute Western League, sealing the title with a hard-fought 29-14 victory over Barnstaple IIs, writes Phil Westren.
Westren applauded his players’ determination and team spirit, highlighting their relentless effort throughout the season to achieve a well-deserved triumph.
“To win our last league game to secure promotion was pretty special,” he said. “The lads might have been a little nervous pre-match, but they didn’t show it.
“We have played some terrific rugby during the season and the team has grown as a group. Both John [Stevens] and I could not be any happier. The players, naturally deserve the plaudits, but I’d also like to thank the many cogs in the wheel and everyone who has helped and supported us in whatever way. You’ve been fantastic.”
In glorious conditions at the Mennaye Field, a minute’s applause was held ahead of kick-off for former Pirates stalwart John Gendall, who passed away recently at the age of 82.
Once the action got underway, the hosts were given a dream start when they broke the deadlock early on, sustained pressure saw them create the space for centre Josh Semmens to cross in the corner at the Newlyn Gate corner for the try, which Ben Wragg converted with aplomb.
A yellow card for winger John Tyler for a dangerous tackle had the Pirates momentarily down to 14 men for a ten-minute stint, but the visitors could not make the numbers game pay and it was in fact the Cornishmen who extended their lead, first through a penalty by winger Sam Cahill; then by a try from prop Dylan Arthur to give them a 15-0 lead at the break.
Into the second half and the Pirates were again quickly into their attacking stride, extending their lead when Tyler scored to the left of the posts; then the impressive Semmens grabbed his second of the afternoon. Wragg converted both efforts to put the home side firmly in charge at 29-0.
To their credit, Barnstaple remained competitive throughout and their efforts were rewarded with two converted tries of their own. Lively scrum-half Ben Beattie got the first, quickly followed by one for full-back Alex MacMillan. Centre Euan Kent bagged conversions to both scores to give the scoreline a more respectable look for the Devonians.
Title success and promotion to boot, the Pirates will now have the challenge of competing in Regional 2 South West next season. Before then, however, they are home to Nailsea Backwell in the first round of the Papa Johns’ National Cup this Saturday (2.30pm).
Pirates Amateurs: Ben Wragg; Sam Cahill, Josh Semmens, Harris Eddy, John Tyler; Oscar Marr, Rhodri McAtee; Dylan Arthur, Eli Williams, Joe Best; Toby Osborne, Ben Martin; Tom Hutton, Sam Carroll, Stan Somers (capt). Replacements: James Lambourn, Archie Pilcher, Dan-Rhys Evans.
The family would also like to sincerely thank everyone for the kind messages and comforting words expressed and received following John’s passing.