THE ‘Ams’, who had won a close Counties 1 Tribute Western West game 28-20 away to the Somerset side last September, were keen to give another good account of themselves but knew they could take nothing for granted in this seventh versus eleventh in the league table clash, writes Phil Westren. 

As it worked out it was a wise decision, as a little rusty following the Christmas break, they had it anything but all their own way.

After recent persistent rain, for their first fixture of the New Year the teams and all supporters present at the Mennaye Field welcomed some pleasant winter sunshine, and despite conditions inevitably being a little soft underfoot there was credit to each side for playing some entertaining rugby.

Falmouth Packet: Centre Josh Semmens, who crossed for two tries in the game, was throughout a forceful midfield presenceCentre Josh Semmens, who crossed for two tries in the game, was throughout a forceful midfield presence (Image: Brian Tempest)

Playing towards Newlyn, the Pirates built up what initially looked a comfortable 19-3 halftime lead. However, with a lively scrum half and some wise old heads in their ranks the visitors responded to give the home side a bit of a fright, with the Pirates not helping their cause when giving a succession of penalties away early in the second half.

Wiveliscombe also impressed at scrum time, leading to a few worried faces around the ‘Mennaye’ when they scored three tries, one converted, to suddenly take a one-point lead.

As if jolted back into action, it was deserved man of the match Archie Pilcher who provided the necessary go forward for the Pirates and, when the ball was moved right, wing Dan Rhys Evans did well to score a try that he also converted.

Falmouth Packet: Dan Rhys Evans, who also contributed with five conversions, is about to register one of the seven tries scored by the Pirates in the match.Dan Rhys Evans, who also contributed with five conversions, is about to register one of the seven tries scored by the Pirates in the match. (Image: Brian Tempest)

The bonus point effort signalled the start of some continued fine play from the Amateurs, with centre Josh Semmens often busily and powerfully involved. Indeed, a 45-20 scoreline ultimately underlined reacquired dominance, but not before Wiveliscombe at the very end justly secured their converted bonus point providing fourth try.

Speaking after the game, Pirates Amateurs’ head coach Murray Westren said: “It was good to start the new year with five points and, in the process, we scored some lovely tries.

”We were a little sluggish after the Christmas break, so the game will have hopefully sharpened minds and bodies for tougher tests to come.”