By Dick Straughan
March 22 2007

It is three months almost to the day since these two sides last met. A day of heady emotion and high expectation and a match played before over 5,000 fans in Christmas party mood. The Pirates fell short and Albion took the spoils. So what odds on a repeat this Saturday? The defeat at Camborne prior to Christmas probably ranks at the most disappointing performance of the season amongst the Pirates faithful. A repeat of that 13-26 defeat is almost inconceivable in West Cornwall. Albion were second best for so much of the game but the Pirates squandered their possession and chances, and paid the ultimate penalty.

Both teams are evenly matched in terms of league form with only one place separating them in the National Division One table. Albion however have lost four times since that triumph at Camborne whereas the Pirates have recorded just a solitary reverse on the road at fellow Devon rivals and cup semi-finalists, Exeter Chiefs. A performance very similar to the earlier meeting with Plymouth.

So what can we expect this Saturday? During the first forty minutes of last Sunday`s televised league clash with Earth Titans the Pirates played some scintillating open rugby, as they caused havoc in the visitors defence. With a much improved pack this season and undeniable quality in the backs, the Cornish Pirates can beat anybody on their day. Jim McKay is again expected to be able to pick his team from a full strength first team squad.

Plymouth Albion come into this crucial fixture with several selection dilemmas for Graham Dawe. Luke Arscott limped from the field during last Saturday`s win against Sedgley Park, whilst full-back Wihan Neethling did not return to kicking duties. Dan Smith is cup-tied whilst Prop Martin Rice, Locks Colin Stewart and Ben Gulliver, and Scrum-Half Nigel Cane are all struggling with fitness.

Albion`s run to the Semi-Final has been relatively straightforward with routine victories posted against Waterloo and Cambridge, followed by a gritty 17-6 win against Coventry. All of these ties have been at Brickfields.

The Pirates are at home for only the second time in the competition. After beating Moseley two heart-stopping last minute victories on the road were required to overcome Leeds Tykes and Doncaster. Unforgettable stuff indeed.

It is often said in sport that you need luck to win cups. That luck has so far been with the Pirates. Come Saturday evening we will know if it has held. Twickenham beckons!

Kick-off is at 3pm and there will be match coverage on BBC Radio Cornwall on the FM frequency.