20 Nov 2025
- 0 Comments
The Cornish Pirates didn’t just win on Saturday — they announced themselves. A stunning 52-0 thrashing of Cambridge RFC at Mennaye Field in Penzance, Cornwall, wasn’t just a statement. It was a statement delivered in eight tries, six conversions, and the kind of clinical efficiency that makes rivals sit up and take notice. The victory, on November 16, 2025, lifted the Pirates to fourth place in the 14-team Champ Rugby Championship, just four points behind second-placed Worcester Warriors. And for joint head coach Gavin Cattle, it was the clearest sign yet that this team is finding its rhythm — after a rocky start.
A performance built on balance
Winger Matty Ward stole the headlines with a hat-trick, following up his two-try haul against Nottingham with another three on home soil. But this wasn’t a one-man show. Dan Hiscocks, Ben Cambriani, Harry Yates, Iwan Price-Thomas, and debutant Zack Wimbush — on loan from Exeter Chiefs — all crossed the line. Louie Sinclair added six conversions, turning a good day into a dominant one. The Pirates didn’t just score — they controlled the game from first whistle to final hooter. Defense was tight. Offense was sharp. Even the replacements made an impact.
"I thought we looked solid in defence, took our chances, and in general it was a well-rounded performance," Cattle said afterward. "We also feel we are on the right track, although there is still growth to achieve... especially around the set piece. We had several changes and when you suddenly get a lot it usually leads to a messy performance, but that wasn’t the case today."
From slow start to steady climb
It’s easy to forget how this team began the 2025/26 season. After two losses and a narrow win, many wondered if the Pirates had lost their edge. But since then? Four straight bonus-point victories. That’s not luck. That’s momentum. And it’s not just the backs — the forwards have started to dominate the gain line, the scrum is holding, and the lineout is no longer a liability. The team’s transformation has been quiet but profound.
Meanwhile, Cambridge RFC remains stranded at the bottom — five straight losses, zero points. Their season is slipping away, and the scoreboard doesn’t lie. The gap between the top and bottom of this league is widening, and the Pirates are sprinting toward the top half.
Building for the future — on and off the pitch
Behind the scoreboard, the Pirates are quietly reshaping their future. Joe Walsh, appointed lead forwards and defence coach ahead of last season, remains in his role, a steadying hand through transition. Alex Everett has been named captain for the 2025/26 campaign — a quiet, consistent presence who leads by example. Then there’s the contract news: Dan Hiscocks, who joined from Ealing Trailfinders this summer, has signed a new deal after scoring seven tries in 21 appearances — one of the league’s most dangerous nines. Scottish lock Josh King, with 42 appearances and captaincy duties under his belt, is entering his third season. And then there’s Matt Pritchard, the Cornish-born forward who made two loan appearances from Redruth, scoring in both — now, he’s signed his first professional contract. That’s not just talent. That’s identity.
"We now have healthy competition for places," Cattle added. "So long may that continue."
What’s next? Richmond awaits
The Pirates’ next test comes on November 29, 2025, at 2:30pm GMT, when Richmond RFC — tenth in the table, three wins from seven games — rolls into Mennaye Field. Richmond won’t be pushovers. They’ve shown grit in tight games, and they’ll be hungry to climb out of the relegation zone. But with momentum like this, the Pirates aren’t just hoping to win — they’re expecting to dominate.
And beyond this season, something bigger is coming. After two years of planning, the Tier 2 Board — in partnership with the RFU and Championship clubs — has unveiled a restructured league for 2025/26. The goal? Commercial sustainability, fan engagement, and long-term growth. For clubs like the Pirates, this isn’t just about wins. It’s about survival. And now, they’re not just surviving — they’re thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Cornish Pirates turn their season around after a poor start?
After losing two of their first four matches, the Pirates shifted their defensive structure and tightened their set piece discipline. Key signings like Dan Hiscocks and Zack Wimbush added pace and depth, while Joe Walsh’s coaching focus on forward dominance paid off. Their four straight bonus-point wins — including the 52-0 rout of Cambridge — show a team that’s found cohesion and confidence under pressure.
Who are the key players driving the Pirates’ current success?
Matty Ward’s hat-trick against Cambridge was the headline, but Dan Hiscocks (seven tries in 21 games) and Josh King (42 appearances and multiple captaincies) have been the backbone. Ben Cambriani’s versatility and debutant Zack Wimbush’s energy off the bench have also been critical. On the coaching side, Joe Walsh’s work with the forwards has transformed their physical presence in contact situations.
What does the upcoming league restructuring mean for the Cornish Pirates?
The Tier 2 Board’s overhaul aims to make Championship rugby commercially viable and more attractive to fans and sponsors. For the Pirates, this could mean increased funding, better broadcasting deals, and more competitive fixtures. With their strong local support and recent on-field form, they’re positioned to benefit more than most — turning momentum into long-term stability.
Why is Zack Wimbush’s debut significant?
Wimbush, on loan from Exeter Chiefs, is a high-potential player making his first Championship start. His try against Cambridge showed he can perform under pressure. For the Pirates, his presence signals a growing pipeline from Premiership clubs — a sign they’re becoming a destination for talent looking for game time, not just a stepping stone.
How does the Pirates’ win impact their chances of promotion?
While promotion isn’t guaranteed, being just four points behind Worcester Warriors puts them in realistic contention. With six games left and a home advantage at Mennaye Field, they could climb into the top two. The new league structure also rewards consistency — and the Pirates are now the most consistent team in the division outside the top three.
What’s the significance of Matt Pritchard signing his first pro contract?
Pritchard is a local talent — born in Cornwall, developed at Redruth, and now earning a pro deal after two loan appearances. His contract isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s proof the Pirates are investing in homegrown players, which strengthens community ties and creates a sustainable model. Fans see themselves in him — and that’s priceless for a regional club.