They will start as favourites against a Bedford Blues side who despite winning their last two matches at home to Coventry (24-16) and Plymouth Albion (13-10), have only managed one success on the road so far this season. That came in a try-fest at Monks Lane against Newbury where the visitors won comfortably by 22-37. Since then trips to Nottingham (16-31) and Exeter (6-27) have brought scant reward for Mike Rayer`s men.

Although always tenacious opponents the Blues have not won in Cornwall against the Pirates since 1988 when they triumphed at the Mennaye by 49-4. Since the Pirates rise to ND1 the Blues have only managed a 20-20 draw in the mud and snow at the Mennaye in November 2003.

Last season saw the Pirates win comfortably at Camborne. Despite an early try from Mike Staten for the Blues a huge display of forwards power eased the Pirates home by 34-5. Two penalty tries, one apiece for Matt Evans and Rhodri McAtee and a solid kicking display from Alberto Di Bernardo doing the damage.

Bedford did gain revenge for this thumping just days before the Pirates travelled to Twickenham in April. Decimated by injuries the Pirates made the 800 mile round trip on a Wednesday night and returned home on the wrong end of a 10-41 hammering. Jonny Hylton`s memorable length of the field try the only consolation for the Cornish team.

This weekend sees some respite for Jim McKay and his Pirates coaching team as they are able to select prolific points machine Gavin Steenson once again at fly-half. Jimmy Moore reverts to the left wing with Rhodri McAtee dropping to the bench.

Chris Cracknell returns at flanker after recovering from a painful hip injury sustained during a brutal assault against Exeter. Bruce Cumming returns to partner Joe Beardshaw at lock with Scott Hobson, impressive on his full debut at Esher last week, on the bench.

With Nathan Kemp the only new casualty after the trip to Surrey last Saturday, Rob Elloway keeps the Number 2 shirt. Darren Dawiduik will act as his deputy for the afternoon.

Whilst hangovers may need to be nursed on the terraces after the World Cup Final the night before this match promises to be another entertaining contest at Camborne. I predict a Pirates win and the return of the elusive bonus point.

 

Teams:-

Cornish Pirates:   15 Ollie Thomas, 14 Brian Tuohy, 13 Paul Devlin, 12 Nick Buckley, 11 Jimmy Moore, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Tim Cowley (capt), 7 Iva Motusaga, 6 Chris Cracknell, 5 Bruce Cumming, 4 Joe Beardshaw, 3 Dan Seal, 2 Rob Elloway, 1 Alan Paver.

Replacements - Darren Dawidiuk, Peter Cook, Sam Heard, Scott Hobson, Matt Evans, Rhodri McAtee, Richard Bolt.

 

Bedford Blues:   15 Brendan Burke, 14 Ryan Owen, 13 Liam Roberts, 12 Tom Youngs, 11 James Pritchard, 10 Jon Elrick, 9 Karl Dickson, 8 Rory McKay, 7 Ben Pienaar, 6 Nic Strauss, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Jon Phillips, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dan Richmond, 1 Marco Cecere.

Replacements - Grag Sammons, James Graham, Arthur Brenton, Sacha Harding, Alex Page, Matt Allen, James Hinkins.

 

Referee - Rowan Kitt (RFU)                        

 

 

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