By Phil Westren

A CLOSE derby contest went the way of the visiting Pirates Amateurs on Saturday as they took the spoils with a 20-14 success at Alexandra Road.

In sunny conditions, St Ives’ fly-half Grant Thirlby opened the scoring with a successful penalty strike, and he would slot two more in the first forty.

However, it was pressure applied by the Pirates that led to kick at goal opportunities for their full-back Ben Wragg who, with his reliable boot, slotted four off the tee. Also, with a try scored by wing Rhodri McAtee, it gave the ‘Ams’ a 17-9 half-time lead.

Pirates Amateurs fly-half Oscar Marr flings the ball out wide. Picture: Brian Tempest
Pirates Amateurs fly-half Oscar Marr flings the ball out wide. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

In fine conditions, one expected the game to open and flow in the second period, but for one reason and another this just didn’t materialise. 

Cornish Pirates centre Harris Eddy prepares to try and hand off a St Ives defender. Picture: Brian Tempest
Cornish Pirates centre Harris Eddy prepares to try and hand off a St Ives defender. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

An early try scored by home scrum-half James Marsden narrowed the deficit, and there was a fifth well-struck penalty by Wragg, but after that the scoring surprisingly dried up, as the Pirates held outfor victory.

Morgan Holman aims to get clear of the covering St Ives defender. Picture: Brian Tempest
Morgan Holman aims to get clear of the covering St Ives defender. Picture: Brian Tempest (Brian Tempest)

The Pirates welcome Kingsbridge on Saturday while St Ives make the long trip up to Barnstaple Seconds.

ST IVES: 15 Jacob Ninnes 14 Billy Bassett 13 Adam Harris 12 Dan-Rhys Evans 11 Matty Turton 10 Grant Thirlby 9 James Marsden; 1 James Curnow 2 Liam McFadden 3 Hayden King 4 Rob Farley 5 Will Perkin 6 Joe Lucas 7 Sean Stevens 8 Chris Warren. Replacements: 16 Levi Webster 17 Teilo Jenkins 18 Jimmy Stevens.

Tries: Marsden; Convs: N/A; Pens: Thirlby (3).

PIRATES AMATEURS: 15 Ben Wragg 14 Rhodri McAtee 13 Morgan Holman 12 Harris Eddy 11 Jake Hole 10 Oscar Marr 9 Sam Carter; 1 Dylan Arthur 2 Ted Hocking 3 Dave Penrose 4 Toby Osborne 5 Ben Martin 6 Stan Somers (captain) 7 Sam Carroll 8 Archie Pilcher. Replacements: 16 Joe Best 17 Charlie Dalkins 18 John Tyler.

Tries: McAtee; Convs: N/A: Pens: Wragg (5).