Forwards impress as Pirates extend winning run

Matt McNab opened the scoring for Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle has hailed his side's forwards after their 26-17 Championship win over third-placed Hartpury.

The bonus-point win lifted Pirates up to fourth place in the division and was their fifth successive victory.

Robbie Smith had given Hartpury an eighth-minute lead, but Matt McNab replied seven minutes later before Pirates forced a penalty try and then Will Trewin crossed before the break to extend their advantage to 21-7.

Former Pirate Harry Bazalgette narrowed the scores when he went over nine minutes after the interval and the fly-half added a penalty soon after, but Harry Yates' impressive try with 15 minutes left sealed the Pirates' win with a bonus point.

"The most pleasing thing for us is just where the pack have come," Cattle told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"Hartpury this year has been one of the stand-out packs, as you could see they were trying to target that area, but we dealt with it and got some ascendancy.

"From a development perspective and progress, that was great for us.

"Credit to Joe (Walsh, Pirates' assistant coach) there and the forwards; they've done their homework, they've prepped well, you can see that progression that's been happening over the coming weeks is down to that."

Back Cambriani agrees Pirates move

Ben Cambriani has played internationally for Wales on the Sevens circuit

The win came a day after Pirates announced the signing of Welsh back Ben Cambriani for the 2025-26 season.

The 25-year-old has played for Wales Sevens as well as Ospreys, Ampthill and Zebre.

"We are really pleased to bring in someone of Ben's calibre," Cattle said.

"He has experience at United Rugby Championship level and knows what to expect from the English Championship after his time at Ampthill.

"He had an eye-catching couple of seasons there and we look forward to him making an impact here at the Pirates."