By DC
December 22 2012

At this time of the year we tend to look backwards as much as forwards and often our memories can become distorted by time and events.

For most of us, the departure of Chris Stirling to New Zealand to take up a Dream Job with the All Blacks was a heavy blow, as we had all come to like and highly respect him.

As Dicky Evans wrote “This announcement about Chris is possibly one of the most difficult things I have had to write with respect to the Pirates over the last 20 years.”

“His modesty and temperament has been equalled by his incredible vision, foresight, knowledge and skilful man management despite tight budgets being in place such that we have all been able to enjoy moments that will remain in the memory long after Chris departs”

Player development under Chris, Ian and Harvey was such that well before the end of last season, Premiership clubs were knocking on the door looking to take away a large chunk of the squad.

That those players have gone on to establish themselves at a higher level, speaks volumes for the quality of coaching on offer and highlights the fact that a move to the Pirates can be a highly beneficial career move.

Fast forward to this season and a large number of new faces in Pirates colours and an ever growing and skilful Cornish contingent.

Understandably, supporters were not sure what to expect and aspirations were somewhat tempered, not just by the unknown, but by an unfortunate spate of injuries to key personnel.

However the new faces and later additions have bonded well, stood up to the mark and developed into a squad able to challenge at the top of the division.

The forwards are now established as one of the most – if not the most - powerful and technically adept in the Championship.

A look back also shows the current squad have lost fewer games at this stage than at this time last year.

In 2011/12 we had played 6 away and 6 home games and were 5^th in the table, whilst this season we have played 6 away and only 4 home games and are 6^th in the table.

If my figures are correct, out pre-xmas stats show:

2011 League Position 5^th
Away Played 8 Won 2 Lost 4 Drawn 2
Home Played 6 Won 5 Lost1

2012 League Position 6^th
Away Played 6 Won 1 Lost 3 Drawn 2
Home Played 4 Won 3 Lost 1

2011 Results To Xmas

		Rd	Away To	F/A	W/L
September
3	Saturday	1	Moseley	27-27	Draw
17	Saturday	3	London Scottish	23-25	Won
October
1	Saturday	5	Plymouth Albion	16-20	Won
14	Friday	7	Nottingham	25-25	Draw
29	Saturday	9	London Welsh	17-17	Draw
November
20	Sunday	11	Bristol	37-33	Lost
26	Saturday	12	Doncaster	36-21	Lost
December
11	Sunday	14	Leeds	14-13	Lost

		Rd	F/A	Visitors	W/L
September
11	Sunday	2	39-32	Doncaster	Won
24	Saturday	4	52-10	Leeds	Won
October
9	Sunday	6	24-34	Bedford	Lost
23	Sunday	8	34-18	Esher	Won
November
6	Sunday	10	30-13	Rotherham	Won
December
4	Sunday	13	42-10	London Scottish	Won

So as we head off to over indulge and enjoy time with friends and family may I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and an exciting New Year of Cornish Pirates Rugby.

And to those that can make it, see you on Boxing Day at Albion.

If not, New Years Day at the Mennaye for the Bristol match.

Give Us A ‘P’