“Here’s 20,000 Cornishmen shall know the reason why…”

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:13:18:27:05 by hasta.

Great review Devonport Boy. Yes I have also heard that a lot of the academy kids and young fringe senior players will be playing these games - great opportunity for them to show their talents.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Agree- great review DB.

On Stack Stevens- the tradition continues: his son John, a back rower, is club captain.

I share your view that this will be no easy match. So, having seen England squander the chance to build momentum, I hope the 23 contaains ample experience and leaders. Dunn, Obano, Ewels, Coetzee, Spencer essential IMO to aid the young guns.

PG

"not an easy match" is putting it mildly.

If we're playing a Prem Cup team then Pirates start as clear favourites.

Oh and DB- enjoy your pint of Proper Job while down there. If you are making a weekend of it, try the Logan Rock Inn at Treen.

There are some fine hostelries in Penzance too- The Admiral Benbow, Globe & Alle House, Turks Head and The Star to name a few.

PG

Thanks PG, that’s very helpful. As my COML “handle” suggests, I was born and bred just over on the eastern side of the Torpoint Ferry but it’s been a while since I was down so far as Penzance. We’re in Cornwall already as it happens, staying just up river from Fowey and heading to Penzance for the weekend on Friday.

Really looking forward to this and seeing any Bath team at The Mennaye is a great thing. There has been a mass exodus from The Pirates since last season, especially in the backs, so it'll be interesting to see how all the new faces blend together.
Talking of local Cornish rugby talent - Jack Nowell, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tom Hendrickson were all products of Penzance and Newlyn RFC youth section.

Interesting match preview of the match on the offie, where it looks like Robbo will be in charge of the team. However, one of the quotes from the preview from Robbo was this:

"Pirates have had a few games, I think they've played against Plymouth a few times, whereas this will be our first attack but it'll be good to see the youngsters perform."

They've had 2 matches against Albion, a 45 -5 win at home followed by a 31 -7 win away. A majority of tries came from the forwards, with 3 of the 5 tries in the away match coming from the props. Suggests a strong forward-dominated team with a well organised set piece, particularly at line outs close to the line.

Hopefully Robbo has done a little more homework than the quote implies and this is not another instance of the Bath arrogance at play.

Bath have always been my favourite Premiership side so good luck, and a warm welcome awaits you in our cozy clubhouse before and after the game.

Very nice Review

If I were to make a guess/hope for a 23 it would be this

Bath
Think our first game will be
1. Schoeman
2. Stewart
3. Griffin
4. Ewels
5. Cuckson
6. Richards
7. Staddon
8. Merigan
9. TCS
10. Bailey
11. Muir
12. Ojomoh
13. Hennessy
14. Goss
15. Harris

16. Spandler
17. Stanley
18. Summerfield
19. M Graham
20. Tonks
21. Loch
22. Worboys
23. L Graham

Quote:

P G Tips
Oh and DB- enjoy your pint of Proper Job while down there. If you are making a weekend of it, try the Logan Rock Inn at Treen.
There are some fine hostelries in Penzance too- The Admiral Benbow, Globe & Alle House, Turks Head and The Star

Logan Rock Inn is a cracking pub and many years ago I had the pleasure of staying in The Star at St Just. Getting back on my bike next morning was a struggle

If going to Treen, may as well make sure a visit to Porthcurno beach is done too, a stunning location. Can be walked from the pub along the cliffs for the fit and able or a short drive west.
The telecoms museum is interesting for history or tech buffs.

Good to see a few fellow spirits on ere!

PG

I admire your optimism HK and would like to see those guys blooded during the PC run but as Bathonian and I suggest (and indeed DB in his preview), an experimental pack like that could face a real uphill task.

Better IMO to put some gnarled old heads in there to kickstart the campaign.

PG

Team Up:

Bath Rugby XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 John Stewart, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Ewan Richards (c), 6 JJ Tonks, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 George Worboys, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Wright, 14 Gabe Goss, 15 Sam Harris

Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Mikey Summerfield, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Nahum Merigan, 20 Thompson Cowan, 21 Murdoch Lock, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Louie Hennessey

Interesting selection.

DB please could you update us on here from time to time during the match?

PG

Young team with not much experience! Let's hope they all go well.

Quote:

P G Tips
Team Up:
Bath Rugby XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 John Stewart, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Ewan Richards (c), 6 JJ Tonks, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 George Worboys, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Wright, 14 Gabe Goss, 15 Sam Harris

Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Mikey Summerfield, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Nahum Merigan, 20 Thompson Cowan, 21 Murdoch Lock, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Louie Hennessey

Interesting selection.

DB please could you update us on here from time to time during the match?

PG

Very interesting, Butt at 12 with Max Wright at 13.
Murdoch Lock on the bench, should get 20 mins at least, Coetzee gets a run out and Staddon and Tom Cowan together as are FLW and Richards, everything else is pretty green.

Harris and Goss are both quick lets hope they see a bit of the ball!


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

Shipwrecked
Harris and Goss are both quick lets hope they see a bit of the ball!

Not forgetting Horse on the other wing.

Seems the Nessie search project found Max Wright instead

PG happy to post the scores (WiFi permitting!)!

Visiting an old uni mate in Penzance & taking in this game of course. Should be a sell out.
Fitness in this heat could be key ☀️

Interesting game.
I don't know enough about Baths depth but surprised to see so few from the core squad.
If Pirates go full team hard to see anything but Bath coming back with a loss. Good experience for the wider squad though and I suspect the same approach will be taken by most Premiership teams.

Chiefs will go strong like they always do

Assume we will name slightly stronger squads each game in this tournament until we have the Edinburgh friendly the week before the prem starts so will need to put out 2×23 (think there is a clash?)

Enough here to excite me. Loving richards being named capt and clearly being identified as a future senior leader- the guy is class.

Some serious wheels in the back 3 as you say SW.

Could be breakthrough seasons for the likes of Stewart, griffin, TCS, and harris.

Great for coetzee and muir to get some game time..

Quote:

Devonport Boy
PG happy to post the scores (WiFi permitting!)!

Live commentary from BBC Radio Cornwall might save Devonport Boy from missing any of the game

3 - 0 Pirates

3 - 7 Ewan Richards try

Quote:

Devonport Boy
3 - 7 Ewan Richards try

Good news. Keep the updates coming.

11-7

Thanks DB & MIAG.

PG

11-10

11 - 15 half time John Stewart try not converted. On balance we’re the better side but it’s a tough battle up front,

11.15 HT

Thought it might be.
Hope our backs can be let loose in half 2.

P G Tips


Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.

The Horse is back! 60 mr break finished by Worboys. 11 - 22

11.22

18.22

18 - 29 Sam Harris. 4 mins to go.

Great!
Thanks DB.

P G Tips


Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.

23.29

Yes! Great first result

A bonus point win with a young team seems a good result. Winning being a habit, it’s good to keep it up from last season.

Great result from a very young and inexperienced squad.

Agrred.

Thanks for the updates DB & makeit

PG

Sounds very positive. A nice array of try scorers.

Hope the boys enjoy a few pints of Rattler as a group this evening.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Excellent news. Look forward to more news- but a win is win.

DB & makeit - enjoy well deserved Proper Job!

PG

Is it just me or do the shirts look really poorly fitting in this clip?
[twitter.com]

OK, so now back at the hotel in the bar having watched France dispose of New Zealand in the company of a room full of disgruntled Kiwis! Time for some thoughts about this evening at the Mennaye.
Fist of all, this was a very hard, fast game, well above “A” League level and against a well organised Pirates team with a strong pack and some very fast backs.
A lot of positives for the Bath boys. Yes, there were some errors and the front row was under huge pressure in the first half. The introduction of Kieran Verdan, Mikey Summerfield and Jasper Spandler fixed that and gave Bath a much more stable platform.
Some good performances across the squad. Warboys and Harris went very well and Ewan Richards had a good game and handled the Captaincy very well. Will Muir didn’t see much of the ball but when he did, he was sheer class. His break for the Worboys try was the Horse of old, back on form!
The last 10 minutes seemed to go on forever and Bath were under real pressure, especially after the award of a quite extraordinary try for Pirates with about 5 to go. But this essentially young squad has got some “dog” and held on.
Yes, a lot to work on. Not the finished article by any means, but Andy Robinson should be reasonably pleased. Pirates expected to win this game and may have underestimated the amount of talent in this squad. Jersey won’t do that next week,

Thanks DB.
Hopefully Bath will not underestimate Jersey either.
I hope to see a stronger lineup & a statement home win to set the season going.

PG

Thanks Devonport boy. Good start 🇪🇪

Widcombe Garçon

Quote:

P G Tips
Thanks DB.
Hopefully Bath will not underestimate Jersey either.
I hope to see a stronger lineup & a statement home win to set the season going.

PG

On the Briz board there's some criticism of Exeter for putting out a very strong side against a very, very inexperienced Bears team. Is this Prem Rugby Cup largely intended as a development competition, a chance for clubs to have meaningful pre-season games or is it just down to the clubs how they wish to approach it? (Hopefully most games will be as evenly matched as our game v Pirates was tonight.).

Competitive game at Pirates. Rain in 2nd half made handling tricky but both sides played positive rugby throughout. Not a sell out & crowd a bit quiet.
Bath boys did well & youngsters stood up to a decent home team.

I'm pleased we won a meaningful match and am feeling more positive about this Bath season than I have for a few years now. We have picked up where we left off last season, well done everyone. Onwards and upwards please...

Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw

Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]

My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's

Perfect, listened to most of the game and was entertaining with a good sounding atmosphere.

Looks like we judged it perfectly by naming pretty much a third team and still sneaking a hard fought away win.

Interesting that we struggled badly in the scrum but guess those guys were about 23, 21 and 22 yrs old but their replacements were even younger and sounded like they shored things up. Summerfield could be a prudent signing

Expect us to just strengthen slightly for next week so we can hopefully see off stronger opponents.

Any injuries? I missed the last 20 mins or so but hadn't heard any by that point- how long can we keep this miracle zero injury list when we have got used to about 25 at any given time!?

Charlieboa, I don’t think we picked up any injuries. The only lengthy period of treatment was for John Stewart but he played on until the entire front row was replaced. Pirates seemed to be targeting Stewart. They forced him to pop up from the scrum 3 or 4 times, but he’ll learn from that. As I said earlier, messrs Verdan, Summerfield and Spandler sorted the scrum out and probably tipped the balance for us.

Round 2 v Jersey Red is on TNT

Round 2 – Saturday, September 16, 12.30pm – Bath Rugby v Jersey Reds (TNT Sports 2, discovery+)


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Always good to see Bath win and hopefully this will start some real momentum for the upcoming season.

Sounds like the lesser know squad members show some promise which bodes well for the future.

Purely from a fan perspective I just see the premiership rugby cup as a pointless contrived “competition” to make up some games on the ST. For me a missed opportunity to use the space in the calendar for a proper premiership A league competition.

Disagree OB. Refreshing to watch different sides and go to different venues. With a pretty much ring-fenced Prem of only 10 sides who've been it for donkeys' years it makes a welcome change. It creates much needed money for the Championship clubs and a chance for them to gauge their level. The gap between the Prem and Championship has been allowed to grow too wide. The A League has created lots of mis-matches depending on each club's approach and squad depth. Hopefully the Prem sides will judge the strength of team needed to have competitive games as Bath did last night. Presumably as the league campaign approaches the Prem clubs will select stronger teams but on the whole it will be used by most clubs as a developmental competition. I'm looking forward to Saturday much more than I do for traditional A-League games.

Well done. With Sarries experience with Pirates pack I thought you'd set the young fellows up with a bit of a challenge too far but looks like they rose to it brilliantly.

Quote:

TomReagan
Disagree OB. Refreshing to watch different sides and go to different venues. With a pretty much ring-fenced Prem of only 10 sides who've been it for donkeys' years it makes a welcome change. It creates much needed money for the Championship clubs and a chance for them to gauge their level. The gap between the Prem and Championship has been allowed to grow too wide. The A League has created lots of mis-matches depending on each club's approach and squad depth. Hopefully the Prem sides will judge the strength of team needed to have competitive games as Bath did last night. Presumably as the league campaign approaches the Prem clubs will select stronger teams but on the whole it will be used by most clubs as a developmental competition. I'm looking forward to Saturday much more than I do for traditional A-League games.

Here here.
But that shouldn't be surprising, given that I've been wanting almost exactly this competition for 15-20 years.

IMO it's less "contrived" than the AWC used to be, and far less contrived than the old Premiership Cup used to be, and more useful than the A-league (especially with reduced squad sizes)

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

We’ve been losing these types of game for years, so that win feels like another pi ve if the foundations in place. Feeling increasingly convinced that Bath’s time is here.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Purely from a fan perspective I just see the premiership rugby cup as a pointless contrived “competition” to make up some games on the ST. For me a missed opportunity to use the space in the calendar for a proper premiership A league competition.

Sorry OB, could not disagree more. I am with Tom on this one.

I remember the John Player and Pilkington Cups with giant killing performances by the likes of West Hartlepool, Orrell & Waterloo (who famously knocked out holders Bath -Hall, Redman, Guscott & all) in the 3rd round in 1993.

That was a proper knockout competition & great alternative format to the League.

It is the A League of recent years that has been the more "contrived" and as Tom says, with too many mismatches, at times rather meaningless.

PG

I think it's a great concept and hopefully bath are using it perfectly to give some meaningful game time and leadership opps to youngsters who will know they have been in a battle and who looked delighted to get the win.

Imagine our front row learnt a lot playing against the likes of a vastly experienced and strong 34 Yr old kiwi prop.

Great for the fans also to get to some new venues and play some new opposition - big thumbs up from me, works esp well as a pre season in a rwc year but hope its here to stay.

Fingers crossed for some more close , tough games which we can hopefully get on the right side of with lots of players putting their hands up for getting into the selection mix for the prem/champions cup

Anyone stand out?

Sounded like TCS and goss as a kick/chase combo did well?

Charlieboa, I’d agree with that. Worboys, Sam Harris and Ewan Richards also deserve honourable mentions amongst the younger contingent. And of course, the replacement front row!

Quote:

Devonport Boy
Charlieboa, I’d agree with that. Worboys, Sam Harris and Ewan Richards also deserve honourable mentions amongst the younger contingent. And of course, the replacement front row!

Thanks Devonport boy- all the names I was hoping would be prominent so good news.
Hopefully coetzee and muir got through with no adverse reaction as well

Certainly feels like our game had much, much more value than exeter vs bris.

Not sure an absolutely huge win for an Exeter team containing the likes of sio, frost, schickerling, vermeulen, skinner, slade, hodge was much use in terms of finding out about their squad.

Bris won't have learnt much either by putting out an academy team having played the baabaas a few days ago .

Shame for the tournament

As a competition it has a lot going for it except when the two sides are so poorly matched. Could the lead coaches have got together and discussed in principle the sort of side they intended to field to avoid the obvious pointless mismatch?

But just to add to the above positive comments, it was especially encouraging that Coetzee came through a tough game. Really happy for him and hope it means we get to see what we have expected or at least hoped to see

Certainly agree with Opti that two or three years ago we would have lost that game miserably

But can someone remind what the format is?

How is it that Exeter, who are in our Pool play Bristol who aren't?

Sounds good DB, thanks.
Very positive that those guys went well.
What about the centres? With Redpath & Lawrence at RWC we are going to need good showings from Butt, Wright & Hennessy.

PG

Did hennessey play centre with butt shifting to wing or wads it a straight swap for goss?

A v green looking leic team put 50 pts on caldy- impressive/ shows the mismatch between top half prem and a bottom half championship?

Glad we have some of the stronger championship teams in our fixtures.

Will be interesting when we play exeter as are also playing Edinburgh that weekend.

Assume we will play an academy team whilst exeter try to recall the likes of Jenkins from the world cup



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:09:17:51:06 by charlieboa.

Quote:

gaz59
But can someone remind what the format is?
How is it that Exeter, who are in our Pool play Bristol who aren't?

'Format;

4 pools:

2 x pools of 6
2 x pools 5
Each team in the pools of 5 will play a cross-pool match.'

[url=https://www.premiershiprugby.com/content/premiership-rugby-cup-new-format][/url]

Quote:

gaz59
As a competition it has a lot going for it except when the two sides are so poorly matched. Could the lead coaches have got together and discussed in principle the sort of side they intended to field to avoid the obvious pointless mismatch?

I must admit that I thought that generally happened but if Bristol choose to play a friendly against the Baa Baas 2 days before their PRC match, should Exeter then be constrained to picking a load of kids when they need to give first team players a run out before we play Saracens in the prem?

[quote P G Tips]Sounds good DB, thanks.
Very positive that those guys went well.
What about the centres? With Redpath & Lawrence at RWC we are going to need good showings from Butt, Wright & Hennessy.


Hennessy didn’t get long but looked comfortable at this level. My view is that Butt and Wright were solid and did a competent job without really standing out. That said, Max Wright put in a critical defensive shift in the last part of the game, making some decisive and critical tackles.

Exeter can pick who they want.

Sarries game is 5 weeks away and was clear bris would play an academy team due to baabaas game on thurs so interesting exeter went so strong , thus ensuring a total mismatch.

As I say exeter are free to approach it as they see fit but do seem to go for v strong teams resulting in one side games. Baxter et al will have a strategy for the next 4 games I am sure and if they go well in this comp ans start the prem well then fair play.

As a bath fan who has endured the last few seasons I am probably just jealous as wins until the final phases of last season have been like hens teeth.

We need to remember that Wright was always behind JJ in selection. His defence has never (edited) been in question but attacking would be second toJJ’s reputation.
Also learned a lot on loan.

Mis-written this his defence is fine, what I meant was his attack would be seen as behind JJ's so making selection harder.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:10:09:21:22 by shipwrecked.

It's not like this is a new approach from Exeter, they always pick strong teams in the PRC

Hennessy played on right wing when he came on.

Cornish Pirates

Sam Harris try


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Match Highlights




Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Just seen the Exeter team.

Embarrassing.

Looking at those highlights Louie Hennessey clearly not a winger, caught out at the end.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

bathonian80
Just seen the Exeter team.
Embarrassing.

I sort of agree given they will have known that Briz would field an academy side having had a game two days before. I suppose for home games, given they want to sell tickets, teams might feel obliged to put out stronger sides and Exeter will have their own plans to get the side ready for Prem action, but can't see how that game helped either side and couldn't have been much fun watching. This is where, as gaz said earlier, I think clubs should have some sort of dialogue re teams for everyone's sake.

full match available [video.premiershiprugby.com]

Thanks to posters for preview, highlights and full match. Much appreciated.

Not all matches pushovers.

Saracens lost at Coventry yesterday, Saints went down 48-22 at Ealing today.

PG

I was at the game on Friday night. I thought that our defence against a comited team was excelent. When the final penalty was awarded to Bath, our bench celebrated like they had just won the world cup. A young team putting it all on the line for blue black and white.

Quote:

TomReagan

Quote:

bathonian80
Just seen the Exeter team.
Embarrassing.

I sort of agree given they will have known that Briz would field an academy side having had a game two days before. I suppose for home games, given they want to sell tickets, teams might feel obliged to put out stronger sides and Exeter will have their own plans to get the side ready for Prem action, but can't see how that game helped either side and couldn't have been much fun watching. This is where, as gaz said earlier, I think clubs should have some sort of dialogue re teams for everyone's sake.

Not sure how it’s embarrassing, but I do agree it was a questionable decision by Exeter when they must have known Bristol would put out a weakened team.

Can anyone at the game say they really enjoyed that?

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

TomReagan

Quote:

bathonian80
Just seen the Exeter team.
Embarrassing.

I sort of agree given they will have known that Briz would field an academy side having had a game two days before. I suppose for home games, given they want to sell tickets, teams might feel obliged to put out stronger sides and Exeter will have their own plans to get the side ready for Prem action, but can't see how that game helped either side and couldn't have been much fun watching. This is where, as gaz said earlier, I think clubs should have some sort of dialogue re teams for everyone's sake.

Not sure how it’s embarrassing, but I do agree it was a questionable decision by Exeter when they must have known Bristol would put out a weakened team.

Can anyone at the game say they really enjoyed that?

The Exe board seem pretty happy.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

Quote:

TomReagan

Quote:

bathonian80
Just seen the Exeter team.
Embarrassing.

I sort of agree given they will have known that Briz would field an academy side having had a game two days before. I suppose for home games, given they want to sell tickets, teams might feel obliged to put out stronger sides and Exeter will have their own plans to get the side ready for Prem action, but can't see how that game helped either side and couldn't have been much fun watching. This is where, as gaz said earlier, I think clubs should have some sort of dialogue re teams for everyone's sake.

I agree with Gaz and Tom here, such a disparity is not only unattractive viewing but could lead to potential injuries commons sense should apply, its disappointing that clubs need to be told that.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Of course it's Rob Baxters choice to pick whoever he wants but I do wonder what the likes of Slade, Sio and Vermulen got out of it.

adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.

I think that the fault lies at the feet of the competition organisers. After all the whole fun of sport is that it's competitive - this was never going to be once the teams were announced. At the moment its up to clubs who they put out but it really shouldn't be (ie there should be more stringent participation rules) if the organisers want to maintain the integrity of the competition.

I wouldn't pay to see the strongest Bath 23 put 50/60/70+ on the Exeter u18s either, better to watch your local club game (or the actual u18s).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Totally agree with all of that bm53.

What kind of thing are you proposing matt?

X number of u23s in the matchday squad for example?

It's a tricky one. I personally am hoping for another hard fought win at the weekend using a combo of largely third choice players who are a mix of ages.may need to sneak some more second choices in against a v good Jersey team- feel it's a little early to be putting out frontline guys who will defo start against falcons

As a total aside any idea if TdT has arrived in bath yet? Had a feeling his contract doesn't start for a while?

Charlieboa, according to JvG in TRP this weekend, he’s hoping that TdT will arrive in 2 - 3 weeks, but he’s on the standby list for SA if they suffer an injury in his position.

Quote:

charlieboa
What kind of thing are you proposing matt?
X number of u23s in the matchday squad for example?

Yes I'm sure something can be agreed which would work, whether its age or caps or top level appearences of certain number of academy players in the 23 or whatever.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Just caught up with the game, TCS has improved, Wright and Butt were swapping centres and Sam Harris even with 15 on his shirt loves that 10/12 channel, also doesn’t mind getting stuck in at the breakdown.
Both Staddon and Richards looked good and you have to love FLW’s belligerence!

Oh and Tom Cowan needs a haircut !


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Quote:

joethefanatic
The Exe board seem pretty happy.

I don't think anyone views it as anything other than the first "competitive" match for the new signings to bed in. What the competition is for seems to be a moot point (and highly dependent on the team our clubs have put out at any give time). It's understood to be for developing players, but it's not stipulated anywhere. You might argue that it's better to sprinkle some development players amongst some established Prem players.

Indeed the Exeter team which won the final last year was: Southworth, Innard, Schickerling, Williams, Dunne, Tshiunza, Davis, Tuima, Cairns, Jenkins, O'Loughlin, Hendrickson, O'Brien, John, Wyatt. Hardly the 1stXV. It did have J.Simmonds on the bench but that was largely down to a lack of other options at the time.

Quote:

charlieboa
What kind of thing are you proposing matt?

I don't want to speak for Matt, but as the person who proposed this competition way back when; my proposal was to exclude any player from the Prem team who played more than 800 minutes the previous season.

Not too worried about the age of the players, or whether someone is 2nd, 4th choice or academy; but wanted to keep the 1st XXIII out of them. Partly to improve competitiveness of matches, and partly to ensure that the 1sts were actually getting a rest, not just thrown in to another competition.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:09:11:16:51:47 by Quel Carreleur.

Quote:

Quel Carreleur

Quote:

charlieboa
What kind of thing are you proposing matt?

I don't want to speak for Matt, but as the person who proposed this competition way back when; my proposal was to exclude any player from the Prem team who played more than 800 minutes the previous season.

I guess my concern with that is that, for example, Beno hasn't played 800 mins since 2019/22 so could find himself up against a 19 year old academy lad.

I like the idea that rather than excluding certain players* - as minutes will often ebb and flow between seasons - you must have say 12 / 13 / 14 current academy lads, or age or whatever, in the 23.

Either way I'm sure that there must be some sort of mechanism for making it a bit more fair, it doesn't seem beyond the realms of possibility to get something agreed.

[* although anyone who has played an international game for a top tier nation or been picked in an international squad within the last X years should probably be out]

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Just a few reflections on the trip to Penzance. First and foremost, Pirates are a well run, welcoming Club with a small but fantastic supporter base who all did their best to make it a great experience for the BB&W supporters.
However, the trip threw a glaring spotlight on the reality of life in the Championship in a part of the world where there clearly isn’t a lot of money around. The Mennaye is showing its age and is nowhere near the minimum standard required for the Premiership. I don’t just mean the capacity - the whole infrastructure ranging from player facilities to catering and access present huge problems. Those who say that simple removal of the capacity requirement in the Minimum Standards Criteria would be a “silver bullet” allowing Championship teams access to the Premiership need to look beyond that.
Pirates need and deserve the “Stadium for Cornwall” but following a change of heart by the Cornwall Council the original 10000 capacity plan has morphed into a 3000 capacity community facility near Truro to be shared with the Truro football team. As I understand it, funding for the reduced project is an issue although an over subscribed crowd funding initiative I has provided a good deal of pledged funding.
I fervently hope that teams like Cornish Pirates find a way to be sustainable in the long term - rugby as a whole needs them. But I fear for them. Even with a BB&W contingent probably in the low hundreds, the Mennaye wasn’t full on Friday. I don’t know what the answer is, but I came away feeling very lucky to have the security of unstinting support of a committed owner at Bath.
Problems faced by some of the Championship teams sort of put the issues around taking forward the Stadium for Bath into context!