Preview - Sedgley Park v Cornish Pirates

By Dick Straughan
November 2 2007

Just six days after their disappointing home defeat against Nottingham the Cornish Pirates trek north to face Sedgley Park at Park Lane tomorrow (2.30pm) in another crucial National Division One battle. Pirates Head Coach Jim McKay has responded to last weekend`s set back which a much changed starting line up, knowing that nothing less than a win will do.

Of all the fresh casualties against Nottingham only prop Sam Heard misses out this time around but McKay has taken the opportunity to rest several first team regulars, whilst providing a vital opportunity for others to gain valuable game time.

The most notable change sees the return of Namibian lock Heino Senekal after World Cup duty and a subsequent injury. Senekal, a pivotal figure in the Pirates EDF Trophy success last season, has not played for the Cornishmen this season and his return to fitness is most welcome with matches against Doncaster and Plymouth Albion during the coming month.

Another key selection decision sees Matt Evans start at Number 8 Pirates captain, Tim Cowley reverting to the blindside flanker role. The popular South African has worked incredibly hard to bounce back from a horrific ankle injury at the end of last season, and his strength and athleticism will be key weapons in the Pirates arsenal tomorrow.

With Richard Bolt coming into the side at scrum-half for some much needed game time and Ali Koko returning to the wing after injury, McKay is able to name a powerful bench including fit again front row members Alan Paver and Nathan Kemp. Bruce Cumming, Ed Fairhurst and Chris Cracknell also start on the sidelines as the Pirates are finally able to rotate their squad.

The Pirates romped home at Park Lane last season by 3-55 with tries from Senekal (2) McAtee (2), Vinnecombe, Evans, Motusaga, Cattle and Roke. Park are currently languishing in 14th spot in the league with only two victories to their name and have not won at home since September 8th when they beat Coventry. However last weekend`s narrow loss (20-24) at Goldington Road against a formidable Bedford team signalled their undoubted ability to make a mess of the Pirates plans if they fail to perform again.

Park Lane has been a graveyard of Pirates teams in the past and Jim McKay`s current squad will do well to remember that. McKay tasted defeat there in March 2006 when Sedgley won 31-21. He was left to reflect at the time with the comment, "We made too many unforced errors out there and too many people under-performed. Its as simple as that."

However, the defeat etched on the memories of all Pirates came on October 9th 2004 when Sedgley Park stole the spoils by 28-27. A defeat that ultimately cost the then Coach, Kevin Moseley, his job.

The Pirates must now re-group and start afresh with a huge battle against Doncaster just another week away. Sedgley will be tough opponents but with players returning to the squad and competition for places starting to kick in I expect the Pirates to play with a point to prove.

My prediction?

Cornish Pirates to win by 18.

Pirates Team

O Thomas; J Moore, P Devlin, N Buckley, A Koko; G Steenson, R Bolt; P Cook, R Elloway, D Seal; J Beardshaw, H Senekal; T Cowley (capt), I Motusaga, M Evans.

Replacements (from): A Paver, N Kemp, B Cumming, C Cracknell, S Betty, E Fairhurst, R McAtee, S Parsons.