THE renamed Penzance and Newlyn got their season off to a flying start with a 53-0 success over visiting Cullompton at the Mennaye Field on Saturday.

Promoted as champions of Counties One Tribute Western West at the end of last season, the then Pirates Amateurs are wary of the competition ahead, but started like a train, notching up the first of their nine tries with less than three minutes on the clock.

Full-back Ben Wragg made telling yardage and when the ball was worked left it was man-of-the-match centre Josh Semmens who touched down at the scoreboard corner.

Next on the scoresheet was wing Joey Norways, with the try of the match. Showing awareness of all about him, he sped into space and ran half the length of the field to score at the clubhouse corner.

Cullompton, who had a handful of debutants in their ranks, did appear to be settling into the match, hopeful of making it a contest. Their full-back and stalwart captain Josh Luxon looked to lead the way, with flanker Jack Grandfield also an energetic performer.

The Pirates, though, had other ideas and extended their lead. The experienced Rhys Brownfield offloaded for Wragg to score and convert his own try, and before the break, scrum-half Rhodri McAtee passed brilliantly to enable livewire wing Sam Cahill to cross.

Holding a 22-0 half-time lead provided great encouragement for the home crowd, the secret now was to keep it going.

Well, on the resumption of play, little time was wasted, and after Brownfield intercepted he moved the ball to supporting flanker Jude Hardy who did the rest.

To their credit, Cullompton didn’t let their heads drop as they came more into the game for a spell. Skipper Luxon was throughout keen to counter, but when pack power ruled for the Pirates, further dominance led to tries scored by lock Nick Nowell and prop Joe Best, the first of which Wragg converted.

With 10 minutes remaining, the chance to take the score past 50 was now in sight, and it was an opportunity duly taken.

No.8 Archie Pilcher scored off the back of a scrum, and it was then left to McAtee to finally scamper over at the Newlyn posts for a final try converted by Wragg.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Penzance and Newlyn coach Murray Westren said: ““I am delighted for the boys who have worked very hard in pre-season. The result is a reward for their efforts and although there are inevitably a few ‘work ons’, the overall performance was very pleasing.

“It was good to welcome Rhys (Brownfield) back to the Mennaye, and new signings Kenny Jones and Declan Prowse also impressed.

“Backs and forwards contributed in equal measure, and in a workmanlike fashion. However, we are realistic to know that this is just the start, and much sterner tests lay ahead.”

It was also a good day for the seconds as they won 32-0 at their St Ives counterparts.

PENZANCE AND NEWLYN: Ben Wragg; Sam Cahill, Josh Semmens, Rhys Brownfield, Joey Norways; Oscar Marr (captain), Rhodri McAtee; Declan Prowse, Kenny Jones, Joe Best; Ben Martin, Nick Nowell; Sam Carroll, Jude Hardy, Archie Pilcher. Replacements: James Lambourn, Wes Eddy, Cal Gardner.

Tries: Semmens, Norways, Wragg, Cahill, Hardy, Nowell, Best, Pilcher, McAtee; Convs: Wragg (4); Pens: N/A.

Penzance and Newlyn man-of-the-match: Josh Semmens.