THE Pirates secured a useful bonus point on the edge of Dartmoor on Saturday despite losing 44-26 at Ivybridge.

The Cornish side won convincingly, 48-7, back at the Mennaye Field last October. However, playing on the artificial 3G pitch at Cross-in-Hand offers, if you are not used to it, a different challenge.

Leading 29-19 at half-time, the home team, who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee season, added 15 more points to their tally in the second period, compared to seven – a converted try - acquired by the Pirates.

Scrum-half James Cantin, with four to his name, topped the try-scoring exploits for Ivybridge, whilst for the Pirates there was two apiece for hooker Wes Eddy and centre Oscar Marr, with their own man-of-the-match Rhys Brownfield slotting three conversions.

Reflecting on the afternoon, visiting head coach Murray Westren said: ““It was a closer contest than the score suggests with them running a little clear at the end.

“We applied ourselves very well and but for a couple of the areas of the game, probably did more to give ourselves a chance to win the match.

“The deciding factor on the day was their familiarity with the artificial surface. We coped with it as best we could and ultimately accumulated a well-deserved bonus point on the road, to thus start the new year with a commendable 11 points out of a possible 15.”

The West Cornwall outfit are due to welcome bottom side Wellington on Saturday in a rearranged fixture. Kick-off, although it is subject to change, is at 3.30pm.

PENZANCE & NEWLYN: Wragg, Walsh, Semmens, Marr, Marshall; Brownfield, Dugdale; Taylor, W Eddy, Prowse; Martin, Nowell; Hutton, Carroll, Somers (capt). Replacements: Best, Hocking, Bick.

Tries: W Eddy (2), Marr (2); Convs: Brownfield (3); Pens: N/A.

Pirates’ man-of-the-match: Rhys Brownfield.