A patched up Doncaster Knights side travelled to Camborne missing key elements of their front row, and came away losing 43 points to 5 to a Cornish side who played some great rugby and stuck to an attack minded plan which entertained the crowd. “ I put the defeat down to simply good play by the Pirates, and congratulations for them” Knights Assistant Coach Brett Davey told Cornish Pirates TV straight after the game.

No one would argue that the Cornish Pirates ending the first quarter of the game with only 3 points on the score board flattered the South Yorkshire side somewhat. Handling errors and a lack of patience saw Doncaster lose possession several times when seemingly not under pressure. The Pirates seemed able to turn over the ball to regain possession at will, but the only points in that opening 20 minute period came courtesy of a penalty awarded against Toma Toke for slipping his bind at the scrum. Kiwi Fly Half John Bentley slipped his first points between the posts from 10 metres out directly in front of the posts on 6 minutes. His second attempt from a later penalty awarded against Hallam cannoned off the right post and back into play to be snaffled up by club captain Anthony Carter. As tough as the Knights defensive game was

As the first quarter ended Doncaster seemed satisfied with the defensive work, as they played uphill at the Camborne Recreation ground. As the game moved into it’s second phase heading towards the half time whistle neither side seemed able to break the deadlock until the Pirates were allowed to play on despite having a man blatantly off side at the ruck. Possibly the Knights could be accused of ref watching, but the resultant sweeping move right to left and chip over the top by Tom Luke caught them off guard. The looping ball caught Carter unawares for a split second and was pounced on by another ex Knight Wes Davies who planted the ball firmly. What felt like moments later the Pirates put together another incisive move showcasing what they can do as a team, putting Fly Half Bentley over for a try he converted himself.

Although not dead and buried, the day was looking dark for the Knights having failed to show any phases of Rugby in the Pirates 22. As the clock wound down a move started by the high impact style of Toma Toke was finished by the poise and balance of Armitage, turning into a tackle and riding it over the whitewash and a pile of bodies. The signal from the Touch judge was good, ending the half at Pirates 15 - 5 Knights and on the balance of play Howells would accept his side had ridden its luck as well at the tackle to secure their 5 points.

The introduction of Adam kettle at half time seemed to give the Knights an extra attacking impetus, but within minutes of the restart Morgan crashed over for the Pirates after a sweeping move almost ended by a last ditch tackle by Armitage. Almost immediately Adam Kettle cantered off with the ball but once again as the Knights charged forward Pirates turned over possession, putting the visiting side back under pressure.

The game continued with more of the same, although the Knights seemed to lose a defensive edge as Armitage was replaced by Tonga’Uiha. Within minutes of the replacement Gavin Cattle crashed over centrally to put the Pirates into a dominant lead going into the last quarter.

The last quarter saw Doncaster stem the tide of the Pirates advance but despite a more attacking outlook the earlier efforts sapped what energy the Knights had for this game. With two minutes left of regular time Jackson broke the line to score another try for the pirates which was converted by Bentley. Another try in the final minute inflated the score to a 43-5 in the Pirates favour, the Knights unable to carry the legs into the tackles to break the Pirates attack.

The injuries to front row players had a massive affect on the Knights normal game, time and time again they were frustrated in scrums and lost the game on the floor unable to win the ball on the ground an area they normally dominate. Without the platforms being built that the likes of Armitage and Wright have recently profited from Doncaster were beaten by fast incisive Rugby from the Cornish side.

The Pirates will now face Munster on Sunday 16th May at 6pm, with the game televised on SKY Sports HD.