Cornish Pirates back in second after victory over Caldy

Returning to league action in a 9th versus 4th Championship encounter away to Caldy, the Cornish Pirates secured an impressive bonus point victory, writes Ethan Evans and Phil Westren. 

Despite having won 49-22 at the Mennaye Field against the same opposition last November, the Pirates were aware of their threat.

They had previously lost 15-14 in both side's first league meeting at Paton Field in December 2022.

Caldy, referred to as the Ravers, have been consistent at Championship level, pulling off some notable results.

Team news for the Cornish Pirates included the return of Ioan Evans to the starting line-up and Alex Schwarz’s 99th appearance for the club.

A last-minute change saw Frankie Nowell replace wing Robin Wedlake due to a tooth infection.

In the forwards, Lefty Zigiriadis and Matt Johnson were selected as the propping pair, while Will Gibson pulled on the number ‘7’ shirt.

Conditions at the Paton Field ground on the Wirral Peninsula were wet, but this did not deter the Pirates who demonstrated control and patience throughout the game.

Captain John Stevens and full-back Will Trewin were among the scorers, helping to secure a comfortable 19-0 lead at half-time.

Despite a challenging start to the second half that saw the Pirates lose two men to the sin bin and the Ravers awarded a penalty try, the Pirates were able to maintain their dominance.

They successfully thwarted Caldy's attempts to build momentum and Bruce Houston’s penalty was able to stretch the Pirates' lead.

Replacement centre Tom Georgiou also scored, helping to secure the Pirates' fourth score of the match.

Caldy’s replacement prop Joe Sproston did manage a consolation try in the last seconds, converted by Lewis Barker.

However, the Pirates managed to maintain control and their 14-32 win was evidence of a well-coordinated team performance.

The Pirates move back up to second position in the Championship table.

In the inclement weather making conditions difficult, the performance was seen as a massive effort by the Pirates.

For Cornish Pirates, standout performances came from Bruce Houston, Alex Schwarz, Ioan Evans and Frankie Nowell who replaced the unwell Robin Wedlake just before the game.

After the match, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle praised the team: "I though the first half was outstanding, as dominant we kept the ball for long periods.

“Yes, we suffered two yellow cards early in the second 40, but in front of their vociferous supporters we dealt with that sequence of events very well and still managed to dominate much of the second half.

“It was another massive effort by the team.

“We were also keen to crank our performances up in an effort, as we move forward, to remain staying in the fight at the right end of the table.”