I Have A Dream
Stalwart
By Stalwart (David Holmes)
March 24 2014
Star Date: May 20th 2022 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- Pirates Sink Mighty Toulon To Lift The Heineken Cup.
In a pulsating final, held on their home ground – the magnificent Inox Kernow Stadium – The Pirates scaled the heights to the pinnacle of European rugby.
Toulon, coached by the legendary Jonny Wilkinson, put up a fierce defence of their title, as would be expected from a team built by a man who was always totally focused on achieving his goals both on and off the field; but in the end Toulon had to concede to a team based around a core of highly talented and hugely committed Cornishmen.
British, Irish and Cornwall Lions winger Jack Nowell, aged 28 and at the height of his powers, scored a scintillating hat-trick of tries with his elusive running; but even he was eclipsed by the storming display of hooker, and fellow Newlyn boy, 27 year old Luke Cowan-Dickie. He produced a near perfect display of hooking prowess, lineout throwing and rampaging running, allied to some massive defensive tackles.
Pirates captain Cowan-Dickie’s example was followed by every member of the team who tackled everything that moved and, when they had the ball, showed brilliant handling skills and running lines which mesmerised their French opponents.
Moyle, Holland, Pope, Bodilly and Goss with their searing pace were too hot for their opponents to handle. Young flanker John Stevens, son of Pirates legend Stack, covered every inch of the pitch, carrying the ball and making countless tackles.
Another stand-out player was prop Jack Stanley, 25, from Helston. Stanley is yet another product of the Penzance and Newlyn youth section. He completely dominated his bigger, heavier opposite number. This allowed the Pirates scrum to virtually destroy the massive French eight.
Lifting the cup was a triumph for newly qualified Cornish citizen and long serving coach Ian Davies along with his coaching team of Gavin Cattle, Chris Morgan and Alan Paver.
They had seen the Pirates rise from the frustration of the drawn out battle to build the stadium, which eventually began construction in 2015, when Fiona Ferguson left Cornwall to succeed Tony Blair as Middle East Peace Envoy.
The stadium was finally ready for Pirates to move in to for the 2016/17 season
The Pirates steadily built their squad and were knocked out at the semi-final of the Championship play-offs by Jersey. Jersey were in turn beaten in the final by Leicester Tigers who reclaimed Premiership status following their shock relegation the previous season.
2017/18 saw further development of the already impressive Kernow Stadium. The Pirates reached the play-off final, only to lose to Sale with a last minute drop goal by veteran fly half Charlie Hodgson in his last game before retiring.
In the year Cornwall gained its independence, following an historic referendum, the 2018/19 season saw The Pirates finally realise their dream to play in the top flight after years of frustration. The newly introduced promotion/relegation system saw them play in a titanic two-leg tie against Premiership basement club Exeter.
Having held The Chiefs to a 6-6 draw at Sandy Park, The Pirates clinched promotion comfortably 17-3 with tries from newly signed ex-Chief Jack Nowell and the impressively powerful prop Jack Andrew along with a penalty and two conversions from “marquee signing” Owen Farrell – enticed to Cornwall from relegated Saracens in the close season.
The move had been funded by multi-million pounds lottery winner, Tommy Bray, who commented, “I’ve always been a massive Pirates supporter and was very pleased to bung them a couple of million to secure Owen’s signature.”
In the 19/20 season The Pirates consolidated their Premiership status with a solid mid-table finish in their first season in the top flight; then in 2020/21 showed their continued development with a top three finish.
Sir Dickie Evans, long time Pirates backer, enjoyed a fine year with his beloved Pirates qualifying for the Heineken Cup and his own knighthood, in honour of his services to Cornwall, bestowed by the newly elected King of Kernow, Kernow King.
The 25,000 crowd at the Kernow Stadium for the 2022 Heineken Cup final created a uniquely Cornish atmosphere with their Pirates banners, St Piran flags and pirate regalia complete with tri-corn hats, eye patches, parrots and cutlasses galore.
There was passionate singing of the national anthem “Trelawny,” as well as “Camborne Hill” and “South Australia” along with the famous chant of “Gimme a P!” ringing around the ground.
25,000 pasties, 25,000 pints of Rattler, 25,000 pints of Betty Stoggs and 15 pints of Green King IPA were consumed on the day.
The sun shone, the inimitable Falmouth Marine Band belted out their tuneless, wonderful beat and Cornwall enjoyed one of the best days in its turbulent history.
The cup was presented to the victorious captain by King Kernow King with the moving words, “Wasson boy, proper job me ansum!”
And the man of the match award (an ingot of Geevor tin) by the Father of the Cornish House of Bards, Rod Lyon.
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Ansum
Stricky (Waterloo Pirate)
However, today I've had time to reflect.
You aren't the only one with those dreams, and I applaud you, particular at this time, for reminding us all of the reality for Cornwall when we eventually get the stadium, and premiership rugby. I have to admit, that at times this season, I've waived and thought the "dream" might have been over, but your welcome comments have reignited my enthusiasm and support for the club.
I hope other correspondents feel the same way!!
Stadium for Cornwall Website: [stadium4cornwall.co.uk]
Pirates on Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Pirates on Twitter: [twitter.com]
Pirates Official Website: [cornish-pirates.com]
Cornish Pirates Supporters Club:-
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Twitter: [twitter.com]
Email: 'CPSC@mail.com'
Stadium for Cornwall Website: [stadium4cornwall.co.uk]
Pirates on Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Pirates on Twitter: [twitter.com]
Pirates Official Website: [cornish-pirates.com]
Cornish Pirates Supporters Club:-
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Twitter: [twitter.com]
Email: 'CPSC@mail.com'
EDF Trophy Winners 2007
B & I Cup Winners 2010
Stadium for Cornwall Website: [stadium4cornwall.co.uk]
Pirates on Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Pirates on Twitter: [twitter.com]
Pirates Official Website: [cornish-pirates.com]
Cornish Pirates Supporters Club:-
Facebook: [www.facebook.com]
Twitter: [twitter.com]
Email: 'CPSC@mail.com'