CORNISH PIRATES 26pts

Tries: Elloway, Moore

Conversions: Steenson (2)

Penalties: Steenson (4)

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 35pts

Tries: Ward, Everitt, Diggin, Visser

Conversions: Everitt (3)

Penalties: Everitt (3)

Cornish Pirates: A. Winnan, R. McAtee (J. Moore 59), P. Devlin, S. Whatling (S. Winn 80), B. Tuohy, G. Steenson, R. Bolt, T. Cowley (capt, E. Gisende 74), I. Motusaga, C. Cracknell, J. Beardshaw (S. Hobson 68), B. Cumming, S. Heard (D. Seal h/t), R. Elloway (N. Kemp 68), P. Cook. Replacement (not used): A. Paver.

Northampton Saints: C. Spencer, P. Diggin, B. Reihana (capt), J. Downey, T. Visser, B. Everitt, J. Howard, M. Hopley, D. Fox, K. Rudzki (P. Tupai 52), A. Rae, D. Browne (C. Short 71), B. Stewart (T. Sigley 71), D. Ward, S. Emms.

Replacements (not used): J. Gray, M. Robinson, S. Myler, C. Ashton.

Referee: Dale Newitt (RFU)

Man of the match: Gareth Steenson

Attendance: 6,487

A BUMPER crowd of 6,487, the biggest ever recorded for a Cornish Pirates league game in Cornwall, saw the Northampton Saints march away with the spoils after an absorbing contest played out at the Recreation Ground, Camborne, on Sunday.

The Cornish Pirates were deservedly 19-10 up at the break, then left to reflect at the end that they had let slip a chance of victory that was within their grasp.

The Pirates needed a good start, and they got just that when fly-half Gareth Steenson opened their account with a penalty in the fourth minute. It was a lead, however, that was short-lived, as after wing Tim Visser and former "All Black" Carlos Spencer linked on the left a position was set from where No. 8 Mark Hopley carried the ball strongly before hooker Dave Ward burrowed over for a try. It was an effort converted by former London Irish fly-half Barry Everitt, who followed this with a penalty to give the visitors a 10-3 lead.

A second penalty from Steenson kept the Pirates in touch, with them soon going into control mode with the offensive efforts of flanker Chris Cracknell and lock Bruce Cumming leading the way. Applying pressure at the clubhouse corner, when the ball was swiftly moved left to right, it was an unlikely pass from prop Sam Heard that found the hands of fellow Cornishman Adryan Winnan who was just held at the flag. Disappointment? Yes, but there was consolation when referee Mr Dale Newitt signalled a penalty which enabled Steenson to kick a third penalty.

Half an hour had gone and the Cornish team were playing very well indeed, a try about to be scored providing no better example of the spirit and determination on display.

Counter attacking on the stand side, full-back Winnan chipped and chased into Northampton's "22," with support arriving in the shape of hooker Rob Elloway who bust a gut to score. Steenson added the conversion, and just before half-time kicked yet another penalty to give the Cornish Pirates a 19-10 lead.

During half-time a collection was taken for Children's Hospice South West, with co-founder and CEO Eddie Farwell announcing the lauch of their "Precious Lives" appeal to open a new hospice to service families in Cornwall and Plymouth.

A good start to the second half was just what the Pirates wanted, but it was not to be, as before many supporters had returned to their seats in the stands, Everitt was over for a try in the corner which he also converted.

The Pirates' response was to build up pressure to the left, penalty chances at goal spurned in the confidence that they could take the Saints on and punish them from catch and drives. Such choices have often brought due reward, and although the Pirates went mighty close, the streetwise visitors held the threat and replied with vengeance - breaking out from the stranglehold to eventually send wing Paul Diggin in for a try on the right which Everitt again converted.

There was a certain level of frustration in the Pirates ranks, increased still further when Dutch international Visser powered his way over on the left. The conversion missed, but a penalty soon after gave the Saints a commanding 32-19 lead.

A try scored by replacement wing James Moore, who had supported a midfield dash from skipper Tim Cowley, restored hope for the Pirates. Steenson, who in his fourth match has remarkably not missed a kick, perhaps not so surprisingly slotted the simple conversion.

If the Pirates could hold on, then at least a bonus point would be theirs, or more if they could create one more seven pointer, but it was not to be. A penalty by Everitt right at the end gave the Saints what was for them a relief-providing win, the Cornish Pirates left with feelings of what might have been.