Penzance & Newlyn RFC News Archive

News From March 2006

Pirates V London Welsh Saturday 29th April at The Mennaye

Cornish Pirates v London Welsh

Saturday 29th April 1500 at The Mennaye Penzance

As previously advised, this game has to be played on Saturday 29 April, and not Sunday 30 April as originally fixtured.

The Cornish Pirates don't have a licence to play at Kenwyn (Truro) on Saturdays, so this final fixture of the 2005-06 season will be played at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, kick-off at 3p.m.

The stand capacity at the Mennaye is sufficient to hold all stand and premium season ticket holders (debenture holders included), please let us know in advance the names of any such persons who won't be able to attend the match.

Please contact the Cornish Pirates on 0845 270 3530, ( general enquiries )
This number also for disabled wheelchair users who wish to confirm their needs.

McAtee Inspirational For Wales 7s

On a weekend when England won the Hong Kong Sevens by beating Fiji 26-24 in a heart-racing final, Wales provided further evidence that they have much to offer the tournament by beating Kenya 15-5 in the final of the Plate competition.

The Welsh side had to pick themselves up after being narrowly beaten 21-17 by South Africa in the main competition, with ‘Cornish Pirate’ Rhodri McAtee being an inspirational member of their team. Rhodri scored the first of Wales’ three tries against Kenya, with his effort being a prompt response to one from none other Benjamin Ayimba. Benjamin and Oscar Osir, who have been members of the Cornish Pirates this past season and who were loaned out to Redruth, were again competing for Kenya.

The next round of the IRB Sevens is in Singapore this coming weekend, followed by a penultimate event in Paris 27-28th. May, and the eighth and final tournament at Twickenham on 3-4th. June.

Team News

Pirates sign Duncan Bell from Newbury

Following the recent announcement that two new faces, former Wales U21s scrum-half Rhodri Wells from the Ospreys and utility back James Moore from Coventry (the top points scorer in National 1), are expected to join the Cornish Pirates for next season, it has been confirmed that a third newcomer, Duncan Bell from Newbury, is to follow them.

The 26-years-old Kiwi Samoan has been a star performer for the ‘Blues’, an exciting centre who was prominent in Newbury’s promotion from National 2, and one who has been at the hub of their creative rugby played in National 1 this season.

Duncan, who is a good distributor of the ball, has power and pace, his representative honours including having played for the New Zealand Army, the New Zealand Youth Squad, and the Chiefs Super 12 Development team.

Singing Lions

Double disc set DVD and CD ROM

On sale at Quins game with profits to rugby charities

With the Pirates due to play Harlequins on the 26th. March, it is worth remembering many of the Cornish players who have played for the famous visitors over the years. Men such as Nicky & John Williams, Pat Cleaver, 'Stack' Stevens Mike Luke etc.

Penryn's Vic Roberts also wore those distinct light blue, magenta, chocolate, french grey, light green and black colours. Vic was a 'British Lion' - nicknamed 'The Singing Lions' - who toured NZ & Australia in 1950.

Vic's son Graeme has compiled a 'digital book' - a double disc DVD and CD ROM which provides a wealth of information, insight and anecdotes on post war world rugby, and 18 singalong rugby songs - recorded by the 1950 Lions.

Copies for sale at the Harlequins match, the profits going to three rugby charities: The Lions trust, The Wooden Spoon Society and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.

For further information contact Phil Westren at the Cornish Pirates, or log on to the 'The Singing Lions' website, for people who have an interest in the history of our game, this is something not to be missed!

Cornwall Under 15s

Congratulations to Tom Cowan-Dickie, Henry Mander and Jack Vosper (son of former 'Pirate' Ian) on their selection for the Cornwall U15s squad.

Such an honour will bring proud memories back for our President Richard Evans, who represented the county at that level during his youth