Despite taking the lead early on with two kicks, the long trip down to Penzance proved fruitless for Nottingham on Friday night, as they lost in a low scoring affair with Cornish Pirates
On an initially dry and calm January evening, conditions were surprisingly good at kick-off, However, they deteriorated as the game progressed.
In the opening minutes, the Pirates applied early pressure but Nottingham soon worked their way up field following a strong carry from their skipper Josh Poullet. Indeed, holding territorial advantage they opened the scoring with a ninth minute penalty slotted by fly-half Jack Neville.
Almost immediately from the restart the Green and Whites threatened once more, this time through the winger Ryan Olowofela. However, Pirates showed how good they were defensively and held Nottingham out.
About 20 minutes in, the Pirates good defence could do little to prevent scrum-half Liam Slatem landing a snap drop-goal to extend the visitors’ lead.
The home side did conjure up an unconverted try just past the half hour mark thanks to skipper Will Crane.
With the weather now having taken a full turn for the worse, the second half started as badly as it could have for Nottingham, as Max Norey finished Ruaridh Dawson’s break away to put Cornish Pirates ahead
The Pirates were now showing dominance, and just past the hour mark an all-important score materialised, with Norey again the scorer, with replacement fly-half Arwel Robson converting.
Nottingham fought hard to the very end. That they were denied further points was due to the display by the Pirates who were determined to keep their opponents at bay.