By Dick Straughan
March 4 2007

Having surrendered any last lingering hopes of the Division One title in defeat at Exeter last weekend, the Cornish Pirates travel north to Yorkshire this weekend hoping to complete a season treble over the Knights. Having edged the Yorkshiremen by 29-23 at Castle Park in October the Pirates again came from behind to win a thrilling return at Camborne 26-23 just five short weeks ago, with a scintillating try from Welsh Sevens International - Rhodri McAtee.

There has been little between the two sides in their league encounters though it may be argued that the trusty boot of Alberto Di Bernardo was as telling at Castle Park as the sin binning of the league leading try scorer, Jason Forster, in the Camborne return.

Yet this weekend sees Cup rugby coming to the fore and with Doncaster also unlikely to catch Leeds at the top of Division One, the prospect of a Twickenham final and a piece of EDF silverware has taken on added significance to both clubs.

The defeat at Exeter last Saturday was the first reverse of 2007 for the Cornish Pirates, who have reached the EDF Quarter Final after defeating Moseley at home and then famously pipping Leeds in snowy stoppage time at Headingley last month. Another long road trip to Yorkshire was hardly relished when the draw was made. "Bring it on!" said Pirates Head Coach Jim McKay and cup fever has descended once again on the Pirates camp. A large number of supporters are expected to make the trip to Castle Park and their vocal efforts will be broadcast to the nation courtesy of BBC Radio Cornwall`s match coverage.

So what of Doncaster? Their cup run to date has seen routine home wins against Rosslyn Park and London Welsh in which they have amassed 113 points and conceded just 10. Since losing at Camborne in the league they have ground out victories at Coventry and relegation threatened Otley, although they did lose last time out at Castle Park going down 16-30 to the Tykes.

Team news from both camps is again a closely guarded secret and announcements are unlikely until match day itself. Doncaster may feel that home advantage will give them the slight edge, but what odds on another last gasp Pirates smash and grab job?

The action kicks off at 2.30pm at Castle Park, Doncaster and there will be regular updates via the BBC Radio Cornwall website and on 630-657 MW.