Will Hartpury Spoil the Party at the Mennaye? Championship Clash Set for Saturday Showdown

Festival Vibes Meet Rugby Rivalry in Penzance This Weekend

A fierce on-field battle and a packed family-friendly day out are both on the cards this Saturday 11th May, as the Cornish Pirates welcome Hartpury to the Mennaye Field for Round 19 of the RFU Championship. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, with the fixture shaping up to be a 5th versus 3rd clash in the table.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, and it’s one loaded with score-settling potential. The Pirates suffered a 34-10 league defeat away at Hartpury in January and also lost 41-26 in the Cup in November. However, they turned the tide in February, securing a confident 43-7 Premiership Cup win on home turf.

Head coach Gavin Cattle acknowledged the threat from the visitors:

“There is much to respect about Hartpury who are enjoying a very good season.
We suffered a hefty 34-10 defeat against them in the away league match back in January, so we’ll be inevitably keen to avenge that particular defeat… they have one of the strongest packs in the league in terms of age and experience.”

“For us, it is a bonus that we are playing at home, whilst we ourselves have also been in good form. Supporters should be for a rugby treat.”

Team News: Pirates Shake Things Up

This week’s team selection sees Joe Elderkin return to the centre and Robin Wedlake start on the wing. Matt Pritchard makes his first start at hooker, while Matt Cannon fills the number 6 shirt in place of Josh King, who moves into the second row alongside Charlie Rice. On the bench, Jenson Boughton joins on loan from Plymouth Albion.

Cornish Pirates Line-Up:
15 Will Trewin, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Joe Elderkin, 11 Matt McNab, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Dan Hiscocks;
1 Billy Young, 2 Matt Pritchard, 3 James French, 4 Josh King, 5 Charlie Rice, 6 Matt Cannon, 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Alex Everett (captain).
Replacements: 16 Harry Hocking, 17 Jenson Boughton, 18 Ben Woodmansey, 19 Matt Cannon, 19 Fintan Coleman, 20 Tomiwa Agbongbon, 21 Will Rigelsford, 22 Iwan Jenkins, 23 Harry Yates.
Match officials: Referee – Ben Simpson. Assistants – Iain Kiy & Kevin Williams.

More Than Just Rugby at the Mennaye

Saturday’s game isn’t just about rugby — the ‘Festival Season’ is officially landing at the Mennaye with live music and activities for the whole family.

Expect DJ sets from Flo Tippetts-Hill, post-match singalongs with the Cadgwith Singers and Will Keating, the return of the Callestick Farm ice cream trike, plus a bouncy castle, face painting, and fun games and giveaways with Tribute & Thatchers.

The Pirates will also take a moment to recognise VE Day during the afternoon, reflecting on the significance of the event in the week of its national commemoration.

A Game That Matters

With both sides fighting for position near the top of the table and previous encounters showing no shortage of drama, Saturday’s match promises high-stakes rugby action with a local flavour.

The match day collection will be in support of The Veterans Charity.

Will the Pirates defend their home soil once again, or can Hartpury make it two league wins over them this season? All will be revealed this Saturday at the Mennaye.