Saracens booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Powergen Cup but they
had to withstand a valiant battling display from First Division
Penzance-Newlyn.
The Cornish club gave everything in a pulsating encounter at the Mennaye
Field. But tries from Kris Chesney, Richard Haughton and Ben Russell, plus 15
points from the boot of Nicky Little, ensured Rod Kafer's side overcame the
tricky sixth-round hurdle.
For Penzance, celebrating their best-ever showing in the National Cup
competition, it will be a day to remember.
Saracens made the early running, but some resolute defence from the home side
thwarted the Zurich Premiership side.
The Pirates then turned defence into attack and powered their way back
downfield. Strong running from Tongan flanker Viliami Ma'asi created a huge
opening in Saracens' rearguard, the visitors infringed and former Saracens ace
Rob Thirlby was on hand to fire the hosts ahead on six minutes.
Thirlby then repeated the act five minutes later, Sarries flanker Ryan Peacey
the guilty party on this occasion.
The Pirates were more than happy to mix it with the star-studded Saracens
line-up, which included New Zealander Taine Randell and fly-half Little,
recently returned from World Cup duty with Fiji.
Saracens appeared to be shocked by the intensity Penzance had brought to the
game, but by the 24th minute they were in front from a well-rehearsed
catch-and-drive move.
Randell took the catch at the back of the line, his fellow forwards applied
the shove and just yards from the line second-row Chesney peeled off the maul to
score. Little added the conversion for a 7-6 lead.
The try did little to dampen the Pirates, who found their form again and with
it the lead. Winger Matt Jess collected the ball wide on the right, jinked his
way inside three defenders before slipping the ball to Victor Olonga, who fed
James Shanahan for the touchdown. Thirlby converted and the Pirates sensed a
shock could be in the offing.
However, two Little penalties on the stroke of half-time brought the two sides
level and that is how it stayed until the 55th minute.
Saracens had been slowly exerting their authority and Little was on hand to
administer his third penalty of the afternoon.
The score should have provided the spark to ignite the Premiership side, but
sadly it did not. Saracens - much like their form in the top flight - were
struggling.
Although skipper Randell did his best to lift them, it was not until the final
10 minutes that they dented the plucky Pirates resistance.
First winger Haughton ghosted in under the posts, then lock Russell was driven
over from a line-out to ensure Sarries' place in the last eight. Little
converted both.
Still the Pirates were not finished, and in one final hurrah, they bagged a
second try. Ma'asi and Olonga were again both involved, the latter feeding Jess,
who galloped over in the corner, Thirlby obliging with the extras.
Teams:
Penzance/Newlyn: R. Thirlby, Olonga, Evans, Worthington, Jess,
Shanahan, Pellow, Paver, Owen, Adams, Whitehead, Carroll,
Ma'asl, Penrose, Alesbrook.
Replacements: Turnbull for Pellow (80), Morcom for Paver (71),
Bush for Owen (47), Seal for Adams (62),
Soper for Carroll (67), Lord for Alesbrook (67).
Not Used: Scrivenor.
Tries: Shanahan, Jess.
Cons: R. Thirlby 2.
Pens: R. Thirlby 2.
Sin Bin: Shanahan (80).
Saracens: Winnan, Haughton, Johnston, Bailey, O'Mahony, Little,
Williams, Kershaw, Marsters, Broser, Skirving, Chesney, Roques,
Peacey, Randell.
Replacements: Cech for Bailey (79), Philpott for Marsters (80),
Bergamaschi for Broser (72), Raiwalui for Chesney (60),
B. Russell for Peacey (38), Legge for Randell (80).
Not Used: Kirton.
Tries: Chesney, Haughton, B. Russell.
Cons: Little 3.
Pens: Little 3.
Att: 3,700
Ref: Sean Davey (RFU).
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