Charity Match Report 15th April 2006

Fishermen's Memorial Fundraiser

Fishermen Are Plundered - But Charity Fund Is Given A Boost

Cornwall Fishermens XV 5 Pirates Plunderers 19

As part of a wide range of fund-raising activites to help provide a Newlyn Memorial to Fishermen lost at sea, the Mennaye Field was the venue last Saturday for a charity rugby match between a Cornwall Fishermens XV and the Pirates Plunderers. The response from people to play in the game was excellent, members of the rugby and fishing fraternities keen to do their bit, with the hope that by next year a large bronze statue of a young fisherman will be erected in Newlyn to represent all fishermen lost at sea from all harbours in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It was, of course, a game where it mattered not a jot as to who won, but you would never have thought so. Both sides were fully committed, with play being pretty even at the start. However, approaching midway through the first period the Fishermens XV appeared to be getting on top, their forwards providing the platforms from where skipper David Pascoe was able to fully test the Plunderers, as his side all but took anchor in the old Western National corner of the ground. An opening score looked likely, which soon materialised when Ashley Weston sniped right before cleverly passing inside to supporting hooker Gareth Evans who stormed over to the left of the Newlyn posts.

From the restart it was obvious that the Plunderers were keen to up their effort and create a score themselves. Skipper and wing Danny Hewett ran strongly on the left, Scott Dugdale was tenacious at the breakdown, and when play was taken to near the Penzance posts hooker William Baker crossed for a try converted by fly-half Scott Randall. Having taken the lead, the Plunderers were in no mood to give it away, proceeding to defend well before a slick bout of passing just before the interval enabled them to go 12-5 up thanks to a try from centre Nick Rees.

When play resumed, for the Plunderers it was a case of starting the second half as they had finished the first, playing in the same gear to enable the experienced Randall to score a try to which he also added the extras.

With both clubs having introduced replacements during the break, and with it also likely that one or two others would soon tire, it was felt that the teams would proceed to score a good few more points as the game went on, but this did not materialise. It was certainly not a reflection on any lack of ability, for there was plenty of that on show, but more a case of both sides playing with steely determination right to the finish, it being one sensibly brought to the end a few minutes earlier than expected by referee Peter Richmond, after young Baker sustained what appeared like a broken leg. It was an unfortunate conclusion to an excellent game of rugby which had been much enjoyed by all.

What with Jake Freethy also doing a roaring trade selling bunches of daffodils and mackerel to supporters, the proceeds raised with reference to the match will have boosted the fund by an estimated £2,000, which made it all truly worthwhile for those who responded in a variety of ways.

Fund & Donations

The fund has now raised £20,000 in total, leaving £30,000 still to be found
Donations can be forwarded to Shirley Stevenson, c/o., the RNMDSF Mission at Newlyn
Or to any branch of Barclays Bank.