Cornish Pirates’ Losing Streak Continues After Premiership Rugby Cup Defeat to Hartpury

The Cornish Pirates’ losing streak now stands at seven matches following their 41-26 defeat to Hartpury in the Premiership Rugby Cup, a game where they squandered a 19-point advantage. The team currently occupies the bottom position in their Premiership Rugby Cup pool and is second-from-bottom in the Championship. Early tries by Cam Jones, Will Trewin, and Arthur Relton had given the Pirates a 19-0 lead within 30 minutes. However, Hartpury then scored 31 consecutive points. A try from Hugh Bockenham later secured a losing bonus point for the Pirates before Hartpury registered their fifth try. Joint-head coach Gavin Cattle commented on the performance to BBC Radio Cornwall, stating, “We came out second half and just gifted momentum.” He further elaborated on the team’s current state, adding, “To sum up where we are as a team we’re in that messy middle at the minute, there’s certain elements of our game that’s improving, then other games other parts you’re a little bit miffed with some of the decision making.” The Pirates have not secured a victory since the opening day of the Championship season, having subsequently lost all three of their cup matches, placing them at the bottom of their pool. Cattle also reflected on tactical decisions, suggesting, “Maybe from a coaching perspective I could have been more forceful about keeping the ball in the front line, not pushing it, and that comes a little bit nous around conditions as well.” He continued, “I think that’s the only thing tactically we can look at, the rest was their error-ridden – gifting them momentum.” Cattle further explained the consequences of turnovers, stating, “If we’re turning the ball over in difficult conditions, they’re running 40 metres and we’re making desperate decisions in defence.” Concluding his remarks, he noted, “There’s a lot to look at there, a lot to learn from.”