The Cornish Pirates made it three league wins on the trot with this hard-earned result away to a determined London Scottish side in Round 17 of the RFU Championship, writes Phil Westren.

Although having beaten London Scottish 32-0 back at their Mennaye Field home in October, the seventh-placed Pirates knew pre-match that playing at the Athletic Ground offered a completely different challenge. 

The Pirates have a less than impressive record in games played between the two sides at the venue in the last decade and, although the home team lie at the foot of the Championship table, they have competed well in games, run several teams close, and could not be taken lightly.

Scrum-half Alex Schwarz was again in lively mood for the Pirates, who proceeded to apply considerable pressure with a series of ‘pick and go’ drives for the line. The Scottish defence initially held firm; however, in the 14th minute, following a strong carry near to the posts from lock Will Britton, the ball suddenly found the hands of Bazalgette.

Quickly assessing the situation, he fired a long pass left to enable wing Will Trewin to take advantage of available space and breeze in for the game’s opening try. Bazalgette also added the extras.

London Scottish then lost the services through injury of Army man lock Dan Lewis.

To add to home woes, the potency of a Pirates driving maul, with several backs adding their weight, ended when referee Sara Cox raised her arm to signal a try scored by hooker Will Crane, again converted by Bazalgette.

It was a promising first quarter for the Cornish side, much appreciated by their mix of travelling and exile support who were not shy in making themselves heard. An excellent attack from Scottish saw them work the ball through 10 phases, and it was not long before they managed to open their account with a try scored by Anderson and converted by fly-half Cameron Scott.

Soon after the restart the Pirates looked forceful once more inside their opponents’ half, with forwards and backs in determined mode. However, when home wing Luke Mehson intercepted, nobody was going to stop the former Wasp as he ran 80 metres to score. His effort was also converted to level the scores.

The Pirates had dominated matters, but it is points on the board that count and Scottish had worked their way back into this match. Thankfully, there was just enough time for the Pirates to regain the lead before the break, thanks to a well-struck penalty slotted by Bazalgette.

So, with a 17-14 scoreline there was all to play for in the second half, with the Pirates pleasingly getting off to an encouraging start. A third try was very welcome, and it one scored by full-back AJ Cant, who has been in superb form. Acquiring possession some 30 plus metres out he showed accustomed footwork, strength to perhaps belie his frame, and his usual pace to score a converted try.

London Scottish promptly replied with an unconverted try scored by wing Billy Wara. They were also shortly after unlucky when replacement Noah Ferdinand appeared to have scored, only for the Pirates to be  awarded a goal line drop-out.

But further good play by the home team saw Mehson notch his second try. 

Scott’s conversion attempt again missed for the score to remain level.

From the restart the Pirates caught Scottish cold, a sudden burst from replacement hooker Morgan Nelson ended with replacement prop Ollie Adkins scoring a try that was again converted by Bazalgette.

After an excellent 50-22 kick from Pirates replacement Carwyn Penny provided an opportunity for the visitors to trouble the scoreboard operator once more, the award of a penalty saw Bazalgette given the nod to step forward. Again his kick was on target, plus it opened a likely vital 10 points gap.

With seconds remaining Mehson closed the gap when scoring his hat-trick try, this time converted by replacement Nathan Chamberlain.

It gave the never-say-die London Scottish a deserved losing bonus point, while the Cornish Pirates equally deserved their victory.

London Scottish: 15 Cameron Anderson 14 Luke Mehson 13 Hayden Hyde 12 Lennox Anyanwu 11 Billy Wara (23 Noah Ferdinand, 55) 10 Cameron Scott (22 Nathan Chamberlain, 76) 9 Lewis Gjaltema; 1 Jordan Els (17 Will Hobson, 65) 2 Harri Morris (16 Austin Wallis, 75) 3 Joe Rees (captain; 18 Rhys Litterick, 66) 4 Matas Jurecivius 5 Dan Lewis (19 George Hammond, 19) 6 Will Trenholm 7 Jack Ingall 8 Viliami Taulani (20 Bailey Ransom, 58).

Replacement (not used): 21 Luca Petrozzi.

Cornish Pirates: 15 AJ Cant 14 Arthur Relton 13 Rory Parata (captain; 23 Garyn Smith, 55) 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Will Trewin (22 Carwyn Penny, 58) 10 Harry Bazalgette 9 Alex Schwarz (21 Ruaridh Dawson, 58); 1 Marlen Walker (19 Ollie Adkins, 40) 2 Will Crane (16 Morgan Nelson, 64) 3 Harvey Beaton (18 Matt Johnson, 61) 4 Steele Barker 5 Will Britton (20 Ben Grubb, 64) 6 Alex Everett 7 Will Gibson 8 Jarrard Hayler.

Replacement (not used): 17 Hayden King.

Scorers. London Scottish – tries: 10 Cameron Scott (15) 14 Luke Mehson (33, 63, 79) 11 Billy Wara (52); cons: 10 Cameron Scott ( 30, 34) 22 Nathan Chamberlain (79).

Cornish Pirates - tries: 11 Will Trewin (14) 2 Will Crane (25) 15 AJ Cant (50) 19 Ollie Adkins (66); cons: 10 Harry Bazalgette (15, 26, 51, 66); pens: 10 Harry Bazalgette (36, 74).

Referee: Sara Cox.

Attendance: 467.