Cornish Pirates secured a substantial victory over Redruth with a score of 47-5 in a pre-season friendly match at Mennaye Field.
Despite these numbers, the well-fought match, which took place on Saturday, August 10, proved to be an enjoyable experience for the large crowd present that day.
Before the game began, a minute's silence was respectfully maintained in memory of the former Pirate player, Roger Dugdale, who had passed away overnight.
Once referee Tom Foley signalled with his whistle, Redruth’s Dean Wills set the match in motion.
Early in the game, the Pirates demonstrated a superior approach, rapidly accumulating a 21-0 lead.
The first try was scored by centre Tom Georgiou at the old Western National corner.
Arthur Relton and Will Trewin subsequently scored two tries under intensified Redruth pressure.
The successful conversion by fly-half Bruce Houston added to the exploits.
Alex Everett, flanker of the home team, scored an unconverted fourth try.
In a rare deep incursion in the Pirate's half, lock Jamie Prisk scored the only Redruth try at the clubhouse corner.
Despite missing the conversion attempt from Wills, they ended the first half with a score of 26-5.
Standout performances were noted from Redruth’s Shaun Buzza, and Connor Triggs and the centre pairing of Sam James and Jack Simmon.
The first half evidenced the Pirates' dominance but also drew light to the Red team's doughty opposition.
In the latter half of the match, amid multiple player changes, Pirates’ replacement centre Harry Yates introduced himself by scoring on debut.
Two additional tries and two successful conversions for the home team brought the final score to 47-5.
The match allowed supporters to witness the team's performance, including the new signings, imparting a sense of encouragement.
Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "A game played in the right spirit, albeit with a little rustiness, it made a good starting point.
"We were also able to reflect where we are at in pre-season, with things we know we need to work on, such as the set piece for example."
He added that he was pleased with the boys' performance, including players such as Iwan Price-Thomas and centre Charlie McCaig.
About Redruth, Mr Cattle said: "There was much credit to Redruth who are strong up front and, as we know, when coming up against the likes Craig Williams there are some valuable lessons to learn.
"Former ‘Pirate’ Tom Cowan-Dickie is also one of the most destructive scrummagers we have had at the Pirates in the past, so all in all it was a good exercise."
The watchful crowd of 954 spectators eagerly anticipates the team's upswing as they get set to face Exeter Chiefs in the coming weeks.
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