Pirates had already been promoted to D1 and Lanson were fighting for their lives (were relegated). It was too good to miss. It was that good that I set up camp at Polson Bridge. It is a wonderful little Rugby Club in the grand old tradition of Rugby Clubs. I say little because despite their elevation to the heady heights of D1, this is still a small club that represents a small Town. When I say small Town, the 2001 census gives the population at just over 7000. Although with the catchment area it probably swells to near 10000.  Don't dismiss them because of this though. They are fiercely proud of what they have achieved and rightly so. Their playing budget last year was less than half of Carlos's salary and will not increase that much this season which makes their promotion even more amazing.

 

The Ground is set in  fabulous countryside and on a good day, you can't watch rugby in a better location (well, maybe St Ives). The only problem as far as Saints Fans are concerned is that it is small. The official capacity is listed as 4,000 but I have my doubts although a new car park is being planned which could free up a large bank at one end and a temp stand is planned. Even so, this is one to get your tickets for early. There is a small stand on the Clubhouse side but the rest is standing round the pitch with no terracing. The Clubhouse is not large but there is a big beer tent next to the stand and I feel sure that more will be put in place for the the Saints, Plymouth, Exeter and Pirates games all of which will test the Club to it's maximum. I do know they will relish the challenge and you can be sure of a great trip down. There is usually some entertainment after matches and food (limited range, good prices) is always available although they are usually a little busy with the pl ayers around 5.30 pm.
 They have been busy recruiting this year and many of you that watched this years county final will have seen 5 existing Cornish All Blacks on show with Devon. They have so far added Tony Roques the England Sevens Captain, Matt Jess from Pirates (a bit of a coup)  plus Bryn Jenkins (Albion), Gareth Tedstone, Mike Rawlings and Lewis Webb all from Pirates Academy, also  a young fly half, Mike Provis whom I saw a while back at U16 level and was mightily impressed with . All are young Cornish lads with a lot to prove. They are coached by Jon Hill and Chris Brown. Two promising young guns that have worked wonders with so few resources.  Other new signings can be seen at the Official web site 

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