Chiefs v Pirates

Sunday 27^th December 2008 

As a lowly Chiefs supporter I find it hard to comprehend the bitterness that seems to exist between the supporters of the two South West teams.  The trip to Cambourne back in September still vivid in my memory not entirely for all the right reasons.  

 Looking back to that match which was described by many as a game of two halves with the Chiefs looking dominant in the first 40mins and appearing to lose their way a little after the break only to be met by a Pirates team who were by then firing on all cylinders.  The score was Pirates 3 Chiefs 22 at half time courtesy of a Marsden try and the boot of former Pirate Steenson.  The final score of Pirates 23 Chiefs 32 was a welcome relief to many after the scoreboard had been showing a Pirates lead during the afternoon but was now reflecting the try scored by Drauniniu and the 6^th penalty kick of the afternoon from Steenson.  The many Chiefs fans left happy and relieved but many already looking forward to the return match.  The gate at Camborne was 4913 that day the largest of the season so far, bolstered by an amazing turn out of Chief supporters. 

Turning to this weeks game which following on from the Pirates home win against Coventry and our narrow defeat at the hands of Division 1 leaders Leeds, the players will be raring to go out and show the sell out home crowd all they have to offer on the start of the next leg of their battle for promotion, as it is often said ‘It’s not over till the fat lady sings’, I suspect the Pirates team may well be on the receiving end of spirited game of rugby. 

No one is expecting anything less than a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the pitch. The addition of former Pirates Steenson and Cracknell to the Chiefs squad this year only heightening the anticipation.  The Chiefs will be out to win maximum points without a doubt and judging by the vocal support shown at Camborne and Headingley anyone still nursing a post Christmas hangover may be well advised to bring ear plugs. Here’s hoping the bumps and bruises earnt at Leeds won’t restrict Pete’s selection this week and that the chosen 22 will see that we return to our winning ways and put the last two weekends behind us.  I predict a final score of  Chiefs 32  Pirates 18. 

Finally I’d like to wish for a afternoon of friendly banter, great rugby, no verbal abuse shown to the officials and no repeat of the unsportsmanlike use of airhorns or Cheats, Cheats, Cheats chants from the visiting fans.  Well I can wish!

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