Sunday Independent March 27, 2016 c ☎ sports desk (01579) 556 972 (wed-sat) 45 [email protected] www.sundayindependent.co.uk All Blacks aim Not such a to tackle debt ‘Good Friday’ to secure a PIRATES HAVE for Golds with brighter future double defeat AUNCESTON UGBY League supporters were supporters Lgiven a large POINTS WON Rwere treated to dose of reality at an two matches at open forum at the Cheltenham’s club’s Polson Bridge Prince of Wales home on Tuesday. Stadium on Good Club officials were Friday where the keen for fans to know University of the facts, and to ‘instill confidence and Gloucestershire All transparency going Golds sides faced forward’. BY HALF-TIMEutes from time a second Atkinson 53), W Graulich, A some strong DUCHY DIARY A RARE Saturday feast CORN PIRATES ....32 Well, they certainly of rugby at The Men- penalty goal was converted Cheesman, T Duncan. Yellow card: opposition. delivered what it said on MOSELEY ...... 0 by Will Cargill, who had The main event was the tin to a packed naye was well-received Cheesman. by Nigel Walrond a repeat of the iPro by John Harding meeting, with standing been on the field less than Moseley: C Foley (M Penn 4, C Foley by an enthusiastic and ten minutes as a replace- Sport Cup first-round room only in the club’s by Stewart Castle 8), K Evans, T Molenaar, A Pinches, appreciative crowd. ment for Laurence May. tie at the Butts Park Lanson Suite – and it D Hudson, G Hughes (M Penn 66), D Arena where the All appeared to end with a real air of positivity, with And they saw Pirates GKIPA Championship PIRATES: Tries: Arnott, Evans , T May, Brazier, C Voisey (S Gardiner 73), A Golds’ attacking prowess laid the foundations for a several supporters declaring their determination to roll at their best. Duncan. Convs: L May 3; Pens: L Caves (S Tolmie 69), T Fidler (T War- 48-24 triumph over Bears. But on Friday it up their sleeves and help the club out. Cornwall’s top club raced 15th minute before Matt May, Cargill. was Kingstone Press League One action. The club’s first team, the All Blacks, will be playing to 30 points and denied their Evans touch down to give Pirates: T May, J Arnott, T Hendrick- ren 73), H Casson, G Charlton, E in National Three South West next season after a torrid The All Golds, playing their third game in nine Midlands visitors even a the kicker another pot at the son (James 62), A Dancer, M Evans, Siggery (T Fidler 79), W Keenan (H days, were 28-29 losers to the Bears, who had campaign in which they are yet to win a match. L May (Cargill 66), A Day (S consolation score. posts, but this one failed to Hone 73), C Brightwell. Yellow card: recently suffered heavy defeats against two of the Relegation has mainly been caused by the loss of Townsend 50), M Walker, R Elloway eight players to National One side Plymouth Albion on The game was over by clear the woodwork.. Toby Gardiner. promotion favourites, and (J Innard 53), A Paver (J Andrew 62), XIII. the eve of the season. But the club’s current plight has half-time with the Pirates May added a third try, and J Parker (M Garratt 66), M Bolwell (J REF: Dean Richards (RFU).. persuaded the Board of directors that it is a good time running in three tries, Mose- Laurence May converted it The All Golds were looking to bounce back after to tackle off-the-field problems that have seen them ley, bottom of the IPA as Moseley’s troubles really their exit from the 2016 Ladbrokes struggle financially for a while now. Greene King Championship, began to mount. when Toulouse Olympique XIII ran in 11 tries in a 69- Treasurer Roy Webb reported that the club had were always struggling, both In fairness, the Birming- 28 home victory despite the visitors coming back recorded financial losses in three of the last five from being 32-6 down at the break. seasons since going into administration in 2010, with the conditions and the ham-based visitors applied The home side had led 16-6 at the break after tries including 2014-15, and had taken out loans, mainly power and skill of the Pi- themselves with more pur- from , Steve Parry and Lamont with individuals, of just over £100,000 over the past six rates and never looked re- pose in the second period Bryan plus Davies adding two conversions. The years, with little of that money paid back so far. motely like adding to their but, apart from the occa- Bears reply coming from a Jack Morrison converted He said the club hoped to just about break even this tally of just four League sional sortie, they rarely by Joel James. season, and said: ‘It has been a very tight year and wins this season. looked like getting on the The visitors struck early in the second half when cashflow wise, we are pretty much hand to mouth, Within two minutes Jack scoresheet. waiting for money to come in before we can pay Eddie Medforth crossed the whitewash, James money out. It is quite difficult at the moment.’ Arnott had punished poor In fact, the next score converted, before All Golds' Joe McClean was sent He said all revenue streams were well down year on defending to touch down and came from the Pirates with to teh sin-bin. But his side kept their composure year, such as match-day sales, bar takings and food, Laurence May added the ex- Tom Duncan weighing in HOOKERS CLASH: Pirates hooker Rob Elloway and Davies added a penalty. and that was due to three main factors. tra. with a 66th-minute try to On the hour James converted a touchdown from ‘The World Cup did not do for this club what the A penalty goal from May which the reliable May duly hands off his Moseley counterpart Adam Caves Matt Reid which was followed almost immediately RFU said it would do, and people had better rugby extended their lead in the added the extras. Six min- Picture: Simon Bryant / Pinnacle - by his second try to give the Bears the lead. A Chris elsewhere to watch on their televisions,’ he told the meeting. ‘We rely heavily on the home games the mini Barlow touchdown put the All Golds back on level junior section have for food and drink sales and we terms with ten minutes to play. had so many called off this winter due to the bad Richie Hughes’ try, converted by Jones, was weather; and people do not want to pay £10 to come cancelled out Parry's second touchdown which down and see the first team lose.’ Davies converted with three minutes to play. But the He added: ‘We are in a sticky situation financially, Davies happy Pirates All Golds hearts were shattered by James last-gasp and going forward, that needs to be addressed next drop goal to give the Bears victory. season. I feel going down a league will help us to look The All Golds are in action again next Sunday in very closely at what we’re spending and reconsolidate, the quarter-finals of the iPro Sport Cup when they and know where we stand to come back up.’ will host , who were 36-12 home Board member Ian Warren, who chaired the meeting victors over Leigh Miners Rangers from the in the absence of holidaying club chairman Paul will be in ‘safe hands’ Conference League Premier Division. Harrison, said: ‘We are a club desperately in need of OUTGOING Cornish years ago from a director of nationally. The curtain-raiser saw the University’s some reinvestment. We lost hosting the Tamar Cup rugby position with Wor- Davies, Harvey Biljon, this year because the ground is not up to scratch, Pirates director of Conference League (South) side face the Royal which is not acceptable. thing in Sussex. Chris Stirling, Paver and Logistic Corps, who are looking to regain their ‘The pitch needs some fairly serious work done to rugby Ian Davies He also studied at Chich- Cattle have all played a part crown as Army champions having won the title in the top end this summer to sort the drainage out, and says the club will be ester University, where he in that, and the Welshman 2013 and 2014. the clubhouse is starting to look a bit tatty. in ‘safe hands’ with stayed on to become the Di- admitted it gave him great Before the start All Golds CLS coach Alex ‘The club is trying to keep up with the off-field rector of Student Sport until pleasure to turn on the tele- Davidson said he thought that the Corps would demands of National Two rugby, and at the moment, it Alan Paver and 2002, and he also taught at vision and see former Pi- provide an exciting test for his young boys who, literally just can’t, as much as we want to. Gavin Cattle in Bishop Luffa School and rates players in action. ironically, start their Conference League (South) ‘We need to start putting back a bit of a war chest so charge of coaching Bourne Community College ‘When you look at the list campaign on Saturday away to ’ we can reinvest in the club, and as well as that, we do in the county. of players or dual-registered second team. need to start setting about this private debt. the team next sea- ‘When we thought about boys who have been through The Logistic team are celebrating their 20th ‘It is the support and generosity of these individuals son. leaving Cornwall, there the Pirates since 2009, it is a anniversary this year and bring together soldiers that has kept this club, that has been struggling Davies has spent the CORNISH PIRATES were lots of tears from both pretty formidable squad,’ from all over the Corps (which is held in high financially, in a position where it can continue to past two seasons devel- myself and Catherine, but in said Davies. ‘And that is the esteem by other Regiments in the British Army), operate. But we can’t carry on relying on handouts and a year’s time we could be in pride you get when you other Armed Forces and organisations across the increasing the club debt to go forward. We need to get oping the duo as they by Nigel Walrond switch on BT Sport or Sky world. back to zero. One way or another, it is going to be have made the gradual the same situation and the job could be in Coventry or and see these guys perform- The Logistic team is celebrating its 20th painful along the way, but it will be better for the long- transition from players anniversary this year and brings together soldiers term future of the club.’ Rotherham, or Barnsley or ing. to coaches. leaves the Pirates at the end somewhere like that, where ‘You think, hopefully, a lit- from all over the Corps, which is held in high It is a very refreshing attitude at a time when too of the season, and the esteem by other Regiments in the British Army, many clubs are spending money they do not have in ‘They are a good double we have no links at all,’ ex- tle bit of what they are doing pursuit of glory, and ending up heading for the abyss. act, Tweedledee and Twee- school – which names Eng- plained Davies. was down to their time at other Armed Forces and organisations across the In a rallying call to supporters, Warren said: ‘We all dledum!’ Davies told me. land lock Joe Launchbury ‘At least in Sussex we the Pirates, and I hopefully I world. want to see Launceston RFC play at the highest level ‘They are conscientious and among its former pupils – have got friends that we left contributed to a part of that.’ In the end it was the Army side who ran out the possible, but at this moment, this club cannot sustain very thorough in their plan- has current links with when we came down to ❑ ❑ ❑ 44-22 winners with the points for the home side itself at this level without significant and prolonged ning. Aviva Premiership side Har- Cornwall in 2009, and lots of ● coming through two tries for Dieter Thomas and one FOUR more players each for Lewis McKissick and Chris True with outside investment. The way forward is to become ‘Obviously, there are go- lequins, though that could those are still around and have signed for the self-sustainable and live within our means.’ ing to be a few issues next change. lots of those have now got Archie Gibbs landing three from four off the kicking Pirates for next season, tee. Warren announced a ten-year plan, and said: ‘At the season, and a few fairly ‘There are three or four young families as well, so it taking the total so far to end of that our debts will be paid. This gives us time to steep learning curves for players currently at the ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ could be good times.’ 20. ● do things at a sensible pace without seriously them, as there has been over school who are part of Harle- Davies has not ruled out The quartet includes 22- UNIVERSITY of Gloucestershire CLS, along with jeopardising our status in the leagues. these past 18 months, but quins’ Elite Player Develop- Nottingham Outlaws, Coventry Bears, London ‘We feel the league we are about to go into, which is returning to involvement year-old winger Jack Arnott, Chargers, , and I’ve said to them, I am only a ment Group (EPDG), and the with a club at some point who has been dual-regis- a very good and very competitive league, is where we phone call away, if they do departed director of rugby Torfaen Tigers make up the new-look Conference must live sustainably. We can build foundations there, down the line, but all he is tered from Exeter Chiefs League (South) competition this season. need to discuss anything, or (Andy Turner) is involved concentrating on is the new this past season and had but we know next season will be a massive challenge. bounce some ideas off me. with the Quins group,’ ex- The Outlaws made a perfect start to the defence role he faces at the Sussex- scored ten tries in 22 appear- of their crown last weekend as they scored ten tries Once we have built a good foundation, then maybe we ‘I don’t want to be part of plained Davies. can raise ourselves back to the division we are in now. based school. ances going into yesterday’s in a dominant 54-0 win over Torfaen Tigers which discussions on selection, be- ‘I believe the academy ‘At the moment my focus game with Moseley. included four tries from Adrian Chaima. ‘We have got the most amazing mini junior set-up – I cause that is their problem! structure is being geographi- think we have got the biggest one in Cornwall – run by is on doing a good job at He is leaving Sandy Park ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ But anything else, if I can cally chopped up again, so it Christ’s Hospital, because it at the end of this campaign. ● THE West of Rugby League will have a some amazingly wonderful people, and we need to help then I will, because I re- could be linked with London show them loyalty and reconnect with them, and show is a new challenge and we The others are back rower new look for the coming season with the addition of spect them massively in Irish in the future. Dan Lee, winger/full-back them there is something to strive for. will see where that takes five new teams leading to the initial stages of the what they have done al- ‘But I know Tony Diprose, me,’ he said. ‘I have enjoyed Alex O’Meara and Truro- ‘Let’s draw on this amazing resource and invest in competition being split into two groups of five. ready, and I am sure the the Harlequins Academy my seven years in the pro- born back rower Jake our own and nurture them through to create a platform The groups will then come together for crossover club is in safe hands.’ manager, as we did our fessional game, and if noth- Parker. for not only them, but others who want to come to this fixtures and play-offs, leading to a double Grand Paver played his 350th Level Four coaching qualifi- ing happens again, I won’t Also, in the par above the club and be part of it, to prove themselves at our level, Final. game for the club in their cation together, and I would say I’m sorry, but if some- last story, take out the ‘I’ be- and then be proud if they move onto another level. Gloucestershire Warriors and Cavaliers disappointing 35-16 British like to get involved with thing did then you never say fore the second ‘hopefully’ ‘We need to rid ourselves of the “them and us” make a welcome return to the League after spells in and Irish Cup semi-final de- Quins, but that is up to never.’ One of the features of Midway down the col- scenario between board, players, supporters and mini the Conference League (South). They are joined by feat at London Welsh last them.’ Davies’ time at the Pirates is umn, par starting ‘He also newcomers Forest Bulldogs, who will be tasting juniors, and pull the club together as one.’ Saturday. It will be a return to famil- the large number of players studied at.... please make it The club are keen to increase membership levels League action for the first time. The line-up is from their current level of 198; improve their social Davies will take up the po- iar surroundings for Davies that have gone on from the read ‘and he also taught at completed by and US media, website and the way they communicate with sition of director of rugby at and his wife Catherine, with club to play a higher level of Bishop Luffa School in Sus- Portsmouth Seahawks, who have joined from the supporters; and are also seeking more volunteers. Christ’s Hospital School in their two young children, as rugby, be that in the Pre- sex and Bourne Community Southern Leagues. Horsham, Sussex, when he he joined the Pirates seven miership or Pro12, or inter- College in Hampshire. Get your Indy sent direct to your iPad or tablet every Sunday… www.sundayindependent.co.uk