Pirates reflect on opportunities not taken

HAVING narrowly lost their ‘Champ’ rugby opener at home to Hartpury the previous weekend, the Cornish Pirates were looking for improvements away to Ampthill on Saturday, writes Phil Westren.

- PHIL WESTREN

Well, there were improvements but ultimately not enough to overcome a determined Ampthill side coached by Dave Ward, a former Pirates and Harlequins player,

Changes in the Pirates starting XV saw Ben Cambriani selected on the wing, with Harry Yates moving to centre in place Joe Elderkin, who was shown a 20-minute red card against Hartpury. Matt Cannon partnered Josh King in the second row, with his ‘6’ shirt worn by Rory Suttor, who was making his first league start.

On the bench, Milo Hallam, who started at lock against Hartpury, filled a gap left by Suttor, and prop James French took the place of Ollie Andrews.

In perfect conditions, the Pirates were quick to assert scrum domi-

nance, and when awarded a penalty skipper Alex Everett opted to call up fly-half Arwel Robson to kick to the corner.

Hooker Morgan Nelson was quick to find the hands of lock Josh King, and the first try of the game was quickly scored by scrum half Dan Hiscocks, Robson struck his conversion well from out wide to add the extra two points.