Cornish Pirates name squad

Next up for the Cornish Pirates is a scheduled Round 12 fixture in the Championship - a 4th versus 2nd clash – away to Bedford Blues on Saturday (ko 4pm).

Playing the Bedford team, who ran in five tries in their 32-25 home win against an improving London Scottish last Saturday, always presents a tough challenge at their Goldington Road ground, and nothing less will be expected this weekend.

With both Cornish Pirates’ fly-half Bruce Houston and number 8 John Stevens picking up injuries during last week’s match at Coventry, replacement ‘10’ Tom Pittman is selected to start this week, whilst Hugh Bokenham moves back from second row to ‘8’ in place of club captain Stevens. Two other changes in the starting XV sees tight-head prop Fin Richardson named in place of Matt Johnson, who this week drops to the bench, and Will Britton selected to partner Steele Barker in the second row.

Listed among the replacements are both Harry Dugmore and Doug Bridge, the latter, who can play in either the back or second row, keen to make his debut for the Cornish Pirates. He is also on-loan from Ealing Trailfinders.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s contest at Bedford, where back-rower Alex Everett will wear the skipper’s armband, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver has said.

“Bedford are without doubt one of the best sides in the league. They have some wonderful athletes, are extremely strong at home, and with their great support play a fantastic brand of rugby. It belongs to them, it is their identity.

“Like last weekend, we will travel and who knows? If you stay in the fight and take your opportunities the game can come your way and, for us, I feel we need to take confidence from performances such as against Coventry.

“In preparation, it has been important for us to get bodies fresh in readiness, especially having picked up some bumps and bruises, and to travel strong and prepared, ahead of being suitably pumped up and ready to go.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection for Saturday is as follows:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Will Trewin 14 Robin Wedlake 13 Joe Jenkins 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Matt McNab 10 Tom Pittman 9 Alex Schwarz; 1 Lefty Zigiriadis 2 Morgan Nelson 3 Fin Richardson 4 Will Britton 5 Steele Barker 6 Alex Everett (captain) 7 Will Gibson 8 Hugh Bokenham.

Replacements:   16 Rhys Williams 17 Jacob Morris 18 Matt Johnson 19 Cory Teague, 20 Doug Bridge 21 Ruaridh Dawson 22 Harry Dugmore 23 Frankie Nowell.