With the Cornish Pirates due to play a friendly match at home against the might of Saracens on Friday night, the opportunity is taken to look back on past games played at the Mennaye Field by Pirates and Saracens teams, and not forgetting one played away. Of course, it could be deemed that because since last year Cornish Pirates (a name adopted for Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s first team in 2005) and Penzance & Newlyn ‘Pirates’ are now two separate clubs, Friday’s fixture could be stated a first ever meeting between the two sides. Okay, it might be difficult to look at it like that, so let us just keep it simple!

The first game for the ‘Pirates’ against 'Sarries' was in 1952. It ended in a 3-all draw and the Pirates team listed Rodda Williams: Ian Barnes, John ‘Ginger’ Williams (captain), Mike Jenkin, D. Bradshaw, W. Butcher (a South African), Peter Michell, Chris May, Nicky Williams, John Kendall-Carpenter, Reg Roberts (a try-scorer on the day), Jimmy Jenkin, Louis Brown, Jimmy Hosking, Jack Gunn. Geoff Mabbott was our touch-judge.

We also drew 3-3 in 1956, and although recording 19-3 and 8-0 wins in 1960 and 1964, in other regular Easter Saturday games played during the 1960s/70s we lost, including a 21-3 defeat in 1978. The match ball for the game was sponsored by Joe & Penny Halfpenny from the Coach & Horses Inn (a popular couple - do you remember them?). Our line-up in the programme was as follows: Roger Pascoe, Dave ‘Nobby’ Roberts, Phil Ruberry, Neil Care, Jim Walton, John Brayley (kicked a penalty for our three points), Kevin Walsh, Phil Westren, Peter Trudgeon, Robert ‘Pickles’ Nicholls, Graham ‘Granite’ Waters, David Drew, Paul Hocking, Chris Thomas, ‘Stack’ Stevens. The popular referee was Victor Martin, brother to David and John.

Our next meeting was held 39 years ago on the 30th August 1987 - it seems like only yesterday! It was advertised as a structured training session because back in those days the official 15-a-side season only ran from 1st September - 30th April.

Because of the structured training session label, there was no official result, however, our squad, that had trained during the summer under the guidance of Des Thomas, Paul Greaves and Colin Dymond, never lacked in effort. Gary Dawe captained a group of players comprising Bob Henderson, Keith Terry, Jamie Dean, Steve Cary, Dave Elliott, John Williams, Jon Ellery, Martin Farmer, Mike Williams, Simon Stone, Dave Roberts, Gary Collins, Mike Arnold, Hedley Rogers, Robert Williams, Tony Hands, Chris Murley, Nicky Williams, Bob Simons, Alan Reynolds, Dave Brown, Adrian Bick, and Adam Ellery. Due thanks were also expressed to former international referee, Laurie Prideaux, for agreeing to officiate.

The Saracens shrewd coach, Tony Russ, had brought a strong squad of players to the Mennaye Field, including among them Floyd Steadman, who was a respected and successful captain of their team for several years (He also played several games for the Pirates). He wasn’t skipper for this visit, but he would soon lead them into the top-flight. Four years earlier he had married a Madron girl, Denise Friggens (one of my wife Sally’s sisters). Sadly, Denise died a few years ago, since when retired headmaster Floyd relocated from London to Ludgvan. Awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours, he is nowadays proudly Patron of the Cornwall RFU, a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, and is also recognised as the man who inspired former pupil Maro Itoje to take up rugby.

Into the 2000s, we have played ‘Sarries’ on three occasions. Firstly, in November 2003, we played them in the Powergen Cup competition, which was Sea Warriors versus Desert Warriors, as we pushed them mighty close in the match played at the Mennaye Field. It was a perfect day for rugby, with an ex-Saracen in the Pirates line-up, full-back Rob Thirlby, putting us ahead with two penalties slotted within the space of 10 minutes. 6-0 up, the lead did not last long, as Saracens hit back when Fijian World Cup fly-half Nicky Little converted a try scored by lock Kris Chesney. Not fazed, the Pirates, for whom Viliami Ma'asi (playing on the flank) made usual powerful runs, then created a try which would regain the lead. Wing Matt Jess jinked past three defenders and then passed the ball to Zimbawean Victor Olonga who released fly-half James Shanahan on a 20 metres sprint to the line. Thirlby added the extras.

There was every hope that we'd arrive at the interval ahead, but Nicky Little was on target with two penalty chances in injury-time to draw the scores level at 13-all.

In the second half the Pirates had to defend valiantly and were particularly grateful to Rob Thirlby for making a couple of important last- ditch tackles. No. 8 Alex Alesbrook, also kept a close watch on former All Blacks skipper Taine Randell, as did Victor Olonga on Saracens flyer Richard Haughton.

Little edged his side ahead with his third penalty on 55 minutes, but Saracens had to wait until the 70th minute before they would score again, it this time a superb Richard Haughton effort. Nicky Little converted, as he did similarly after a try was scored by replacement Ben Russell.

To the delight of our supporters, Matt Jess then sprinted in for a try converted by Rob Thirlby to make the scoreline 20-30, but it was all too late to prevent Saracens from reaching the last eight in the competition. Yes, we had to make our exit, but we did so with pride.

The teams that day were as follows:

Pirates: Rob Thirlby, Victor Olonga, Steve Evans, Martin Worthington, Matt Jess, James Shanahan, Ricky Pellow (Stuart Turnbull 80), Alex Alesbrook, Kevin Penrose (Josh Lord 67), Viliami Ma'asi, Richard Carroll (Lee Soper 67), Dave Whitehead, Nick Adams (Dan Seal 62), James Owen (Peter Bush 48), Alan Paver (Ashley Morcom 71).

Replacements (not used): Mark Scrivener.

Saracens: Adryan Winnan (a ‘Pirate’ to be), Richard Haughton, B. Johnston, P. Bailey (D. Cech 79), D. O'Mahony, Nicky Little, M. Williams, Taine Randell, Ryan Peacey (another Pirate to be - B. Russell 38), Tony Roques, Kris Chesney (Simon Raiwalui 55), Ben Skirving, B. Broster, J. Marsters (S. Philpott 80), A. Kershaw (E. Bergamaschi 73).

Replacement (not used) D. Kirton.

In August 2013, it was our first and only fixture away. Hosted at the impressive HAC (Honourable Artillery Company) ground in the City of London, we lost 61-3, which was perhaps of no surprise against a side containing so many fine players, including the likes of Chris Ashton, Dave Strettle, Charlie Hodgson, Billy Vunipola, George Kruis and Jamie George – to name but a few.

And our last meeting? Well, that was particularly special – so much so that my full match report is copied again as follows:

Superlatives Aplenty as Pirates Scupper Saracens

By Phil Westren – 6th March 2021

Cornish Pirates 25 Saracens 17

25-17 to the Cornish Pirates - Really? Yes!

This contest saw the Cornish Pirates welcome Saracens to the Mennaye Field for their opening game in this season’s belated Greene King IPA Championship. It was ‘Sarries’ first visit since 2003.

Pre-match Jackson Wray, the visitors’ skipper, said his side was primed and ready to resist anything about to be thrown at them as they began their intended march back to the Premiership. At the same time, he didn’t expect anyone to do them any favours, and with regard to this particular Sea Warriors versus Desert Warriors contest he was absolutely right.

The Cornish Pirates fully deserved this win against their illustrious opponents, it a terrific performance and a reminder to the RFU and Premiership Rugby that there is indeed true worth below the perceived elite.

On a wonderfully sunny spring day, before kick-off of this first competitive game at home since last March, sincere appreciation and thanks were expressed via the tannoy system to the NHS and to Key Workers for all they have done in the past 12 months. Then, during an impeccably observed minute’s silence, everyone stood to remember so many who have sadly passed away, including especially former players and supporters.

It was inevitably frustrating for the Cornish Pirates that they were missing the services of recently named club captain Nicolas De Battista and Callum Patterson, both of whom had picked up injuries just ahead of the match. Also, after Saracens applied early pressure and opened the scoring with an unconverted try from Scotland winger Sean Maitland, for many pre-match thoughts were likely reaffirmed that the ultimate outcome of this one was simply inevitable. Nobody, however, told the Pirates of such a script.

Penalties were conceded and the Pirates were tested looking into the glare of the sun under the high ball, but following good forays by lock Fa’atiga Lemalu, prop Marlen Walker and centre Shae Tucker, pressure created led to a kick at goal penalty opportunity for Luke Scully. With a quarter of an hour on the clock the young fly-half stepped forward and duly delivered.

Play was pretty evenly contested at this stage and as had been expected it was certainly very physical.

Into the second quarter Pirates’ hooker Dan Frost made a strong carry before skipper Tom Duncan maintained the forward advance and crashed over the line for an unconverted try scored to the right of the Newlyn posts.

The home scrum was quite sound at this stage and the line-out functioning particularly well with Lemalu and his young second-row partner Danny Cutmore leaping high. However, after Saracens hit back with another unconverted try, this time scored by wing Alex Lewington at the clubhouse corner, it was the visitors who held a 10-8 lead at the break.

With the Cornish flag flying high at the Mennaye post St. Piran’s Day, the county’s patron saint will have admired the effort and spirit so far displayed, and with just two points separating the sides the Pirates were very much still in the match.

For the start of the second period, after ‘Sandstorm’ blasted the arrival of the home team back on the field it was not long before the Pirates nudged ahead with a try scored by flanker Josh Caulfield, with Scully adding the conversion. Sarries, though, all but immediately bounced back to regain the lead when lock Tim Swinson scored a try which was converted Vunipola.

For the Pirates the line-out was still functioning well, whilst at scrum time all but total dominance was amazingly now displayed. Indeed, awarded a scrum penalty 34 metres out, it was the boot of Scully who on 64 minutes fired his kick high between the Penzance posts to give the home team a one-point lead.

The effort of the whole Pirates side was to be admired, and with bloodied man-of-the-match flanker John Stevens perhaps deserving special praise, even without a crowd present an atmosphere was created whereby thoughts were that the Pirates side had it in them to record an historic victory.

Both sides introduced replacements, but with members called off the Pirates bench having the most impact. Young wing Tommy Wyatt continued to uphold the Pirates effort with a fantastic kick and chase, and the result was ultimately put behind doubt when scrum-half Rhodri Davies plucked a bouncing ball to run clear and score. Scully’s conversion opened up an important eight points gap, which is how it stayed for the final score to read 25-17.

It was such a shame that Covid restrictions meant supporters were not able to watch the match live, however those viewing it about the world on computer and television screens, or listening to BBC Radio Cornwall, will have been ecstatic - and deservedly none more so that Dicky Evans from his home in Kenya. This, without doubt, was arguably the team’s greatest ever result.

At least members of the national media were present, and they were impressed. In normal times we could all have celebrated with a good old singsong post-match with Cadgwith Singers, all for the present on hold.

The game had been a super advert for Championship rugby and looking for a highlight comment none was better than ‘The Observer’ correspondent Rob Kitson’s when he said that Saracens had Vincent Koch, a prop with a World Cup winner’s medal, but their front-row was suddenly being shoved backwards by a front row sponsored partly by a local sweet shop! Hey, well done Jay Tyack, and thanks Freddie’s Proper Sweets.

Joint head coach Alan Paver, who was man-of-the-match when Saracens last visited the ‘Mennaye’ back in 2003, was a happy man after the game, commenting:

“This game was I feel an iconic moment – special. I am so pleased for the lads because the Covid period has been tough. We said though that we were going to bring meaning to the season, so to achieve that result today provides a special moment.

“It was such a pity we missed a full house shouting their heads off, but we know they were here in spirit, and I hope they feel pride in what we managed to achieve.

“The game was very physical, with heavy duty scrums and mauls, and I really enjoyed witnessing it. Facing such quality, having got the players ready for the league and them having worked so hard, for them to dominate in areas seen was fantastic.”

To conclude, in my mind it is time the RFU and Premiership Rugby had a rethink. We all accept that finance is important to the game and at the top it is a business – however it is first and foremost sport and it is sporting values that should always be upheld. Anything less would be/is a disservice to the game of rugby football.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Maliq Holden, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Rory Parata, 12 Shae Tucker, 11 Alex O’Meara, 10 Luke Scully, 9 Jean-Baptist Bruzulier; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Jay Tyack, 4 Fa’atiga Lemalu, 5 Danny Cutmore, 6 Josh Caulfield, 7 John Stevens, 8 Tom Duncan (captain).

Replacements: Jack Andrew, Sam Rodman, Matt Bolwell, Antonio Kiri Kiri, Rhodri Davies, Tommy Wyatt (used); Tom Channon, Harry Bazalgette (not used).

Saracens: 15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Duncan Taylor, 12 Juan Pablo Socino, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Manu Vunipola, 9 Aled Davies; 1 Richard Barrington, 2 Kapeli Pifeleti, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Callum Hunter-Hill, 5 Tim Swinson, 6 Mike Rhodes, 7 Sean Reffell, 8 Jackson Wray (captain).

Replacements: Sam Crean, Eroni Mawi, Alec Clarey, Joel Kpoku, Andy Christie, Tom Whiteley, Dom Morris, Rotimi Segun (all used).

Scorers:

Cornish Pirates – tries: Duncan, Caulfield, Davies; cons: Scully (2); pens: (2).

Saracens – tries: Maitland, Lewington, Swinson; con: Vunipola.

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)

‘Tribute’ Man-of-the-Match: John Stevens

‘Glengoyne’ Try-of-the-Match: Tom Duncan

Saracens – a brief history

The Saracens Club was founded in 1876 (the same year as Penzance RFC) by Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone. Their first game was played at Primrose Hill, when, interestingly, their renowned red star and crescent logo was also worn for the first time. The Saracens name can be traced back to the famous desert warriors led by Saladin in the late 12th century.

Saracens played at nine different grounds before WW2, before settling at Bramley Road (Southgate, London N14) where they played their first game in 1945. Many of their 'Men in Black' have gained international honours over the years, including V.J.S. Harding (England, 6 caps 1961-62) and George Sherriff (England, 3 caps 1966-67). Young recruits who would later become household names included Jason Leonard, Ben Clarke, Dean Ryan, Tony Diprose and Richard Hill, and after Nigel Wray started to provide financial backing at the start of the professional era, players such as Francois Pienaar, Michael Lynagh and Philippe Sella headed a list of stars.

After a brief move to Enfield DC, in 1997/98 Saracens transferred to Watford FC's Vicarage Road Stadium and then, in 2013, to Allianz Park -now known as StoneX Stadium.

Now, I hope some of you enjoyed the read……

Photographs displayed are as follows:

Rhodri Davies about to score for the Pirates in the 2021 win against Saracens.

Floyd Steadman – in his playing days scoring a try for the Barbarians, and a recent photograph of him with his acclaimed book ‘A Week One Summer’.

Action at the ‘HAC’, as Pirates skipper Gavin Cattle is about to knock back his opposite number Richard Wigglesworth.