Brunel University Vs Pirates Amateurs: Match Report

A Step Too Far

By Phil Westren

Brunel University 47 – Pirates Amateurs 15

Playing their quarter-final match in the Papa Johns’ Community Cup away to Brunel University on Saturday, for the Pirates Amateurs it was always going to be a tough ask.

Coached by former Cornish ‘Pirate’ Marlen Walker, it was known that the home side topped this season’s Counties 1 Herts/Middx league with a points difference of 1085 against 326, including two 100 points plus wins along the way, plus they are closely connected with Championship top dogs Ealing Trailfinders.

Played on an artificial pitch at the Brunel University Sports Park at Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, where there was little atmosphere to say the least, the ‘Uni’ side ultimately ran out comfortable winners, but not without the Pirates competing well for much of the game. Indeed, the scoreline read 14-5 at halftime and it was only after the ‘Ams’ lost a man to the sin bin in the second half that the gifted home team opened up and took extra advantage.

The Pirates scored three tries in the game through skipper Stan Somers, hooker Eli Williams, and full-back Ben Wragg, and number 8 Archie Pilcher was their adjudged man of the match.

Despite this defeat, Pirates Amateurs’ head coach Murray Westren has been mightily pleased with the squad overall this season. He commented:

“Playing a team of Brunel University’s quality was always going to be a tough ask, and ultimately a step too far, as proved to be the case.

“Looking back on the season overall, both John (coach John Stevens) and I have been mightily pleased with what our squad have managed to achieve. They have been a credit to themselves and the club, and they fully deserve thanks for their efforts, as do all the unsung heroes in the background.

“Gaining promotion as Champions of Counties 1 Tribute Western West was a highlight, as we will together soon look forward to the challenges that next season will inevitably bring.”

Brunel University:   15 Leo Elder 14 James Pullan 13 Ben Spittle 12 Matt Str. Clair 11 Ben Radnor 10 Jack Thorn 9 Nick Gali; 1 Martin Cernohorsky 2 Matt Hicks 3 Akpesiri Erhawah 4 Robbie Hayes-Scott 5 Joe Baccarini 6 Seb Dando 7 Harvey Hart 8 Evan Barber.

Replacements:   S1 Jeremy Akena S2 Ed Shekete S3 Will Harrison S4 Oliver Thompson S5 Calon Davies S6 Jake Burlingham S7 Josh Barnes.

Pirates Amateurs:   15 Ben Wragg 14 Sam Coogan13 Josh Semmens 12 Harris Eddy 11 Calum Gardner 10 Rhodri McAtee 9 Jake Hole; 1 James Lambourn 2 Eli Williams 3 Joe Best 4 Toby Osborne 5 Ben Martin 6 Stan Somers (captain) 7 Sam Carroll 8 Archie Pilcher.

Replacements:  S1 Dave Penrose S2 Dylan Arthur S3 Jude Hardy S4 Dec Marshall S5 Morgan Holman.

📷Coach John Stevens and Head Coach Murray Westren have been mightily pleased with their charges this season. - Photo credit: Brian Tempest