CAMBORNE and the Cornish Pirates have named their team for tomorrow’s inaugural David Roberts Cup clash at the Recreation Ground (2.30pm).

The two clubs are now just one league apart following the Cherry and Whites’ promotion to National League One for the first time in their long history, while the Pirates narrowly missed out on the end of season play-offs in Champ Rugby.

Plenty of players have played for the two clubs over the years, and a huge crowd is expected in West Cornwall to see how both squads are shaping up.

Pirates joint head coach Gavin Cattle, who will give a second debut to Hugh Bokenham following his return from Premiership outfit Gloucester, feels they are ready, but was quick to praise Camborne’s recent success.

He said: ““Arriving at this point after a hot pre-season, it’s time we had a game and, as ever, you never really know where you are until you get going. However, what I can say is that I am really pleased how the boys have gone about their work.

“In our block one under strength and conditioning coach Callum Conway, who did a really good job, it went well. The way we designed that was a bit different and I feel we have progressed and are in decent shape, though as always there are just a few boys coming back to fitness following minor operations.”

He continued: “Credit must also go to Camborne on their achievements. They have a proud history and coaches who we have a good relationship with, and I think both teams want to see where they are at. We, of course, will strive to win, but the result is not the be all and end all and we’ll just be looking to see if the boys can hold the detail and intensity, and importantly integrate to help us in our endeavours to take things up a notch.”

Camborne head coach Tom Kessell played for the Pirates as a scrum-half and he gives starting debuts to three new signings in Matt Shepherd who starts at outside-centre, fly-half Fraser Honey and Canadian lock Barnaby Waddell, said: “Facing the Cornish Pirates is exciting and we’ll be ready for the fight, but it’s all about preparing for that first away game at Leeds in September and making sure we’re ready, so it’s about looking at ourselves, getting minutes into the players, seeing where we are and understanding what we’re trying to achieve.

“But it’s definitely nice to have that derby, and people will want to see where we are and measure ourselves against them, which we will do. But the majority of it is about ourselves and getting the squad ready for the season.”

CAMBORNE: Rory O’Kane; Harry Larkins, Matt Shepherd, Will Hennessey, Alex Ducker; Fraser Honey, CJ Boyce; Tommy-Lee Southworth, Sam Matavesi (capt), Jon Drew; Jamie Prisk, Barnaby Waddell; Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls, Jago Sheppard. Replacements: Craig Davidson, Ben Woodmansey, Dec Prowse, Sam Rodman, Jack Heazelton, Freddie Veimosoi, Harrison Hayman, Jay Toogood, Oliver Docherty, Ewan Murray, Oli Roberts, Jake Walker.

CORNISH PIRATES: Angus Mawson; Arthur Relton, Chester Ribbons, Harry Ascherl, Henry Palmer; Arwel Robson, Dan Hiscocks; Alessandro Heaney, Morgan Nelson, Tyler Gendall; Milo Hallam, Hugh Bokenham (capt); Matt Cannon, Jack Forsythe, Tomiwa Agbongbon. Replacements: Matt Pritchard, Billy Young, Jamie Clark, Josh King, Barnaby Elderkin, Luke Ratcliff, Sam Cahill (guest), Joe Cummins (guest), Finn Love, Josh Radcliffe, Joe Elderkin.