Cornish Pirates moved up to fourth in the table following their first away win of the season, beating Rotherham Titans 40-21 at Clifton Lane on Sunday. The Yorkshire side, whose director of rugby is former Pirates coach Harvey Biljon, had started well following successive promotions, but were no match for the men from Penzance, who ran in six tries to build on their home victory over Chinnor 15 days earlier.

Six tries, and a 21-7 half-time lead

The Pirates' tries came from Relton, Robson, Bokenham, Palmer, Nelson and Pritchard, with Robson converting four and Mawson adding one conversion. As the break approached, Rotherham threatened without reward, and patience for the Pirates was rewarded when Bokenham applied the necessary downward pressure for a converted try and a 21-7 half-time score.

Second-half surge seals five points

Rotherham started the second 40 well, but a super break and run from Australian wing Henry Palmer ended with a converted try for the Pirates. The Titans responded when full-back Isaac Shaw ran into the Pirates' 22 and prop Zac Nearchou went over, with Bennett adding the extras. Replacement hooker Matt Pritchard then scored after a controlled 10-metre drive, and Angus Mawson's conversion sealed the final score, as the Pirates returned to Cornwall with all five points.

What comes next

The win lifts the Pirates to fourth in the RFU Championship after round six, and they host Richmond this Saturday at 3pm. A first away win of the season, built on six tries and a bonus point, gives the Penzance side momentum after their home win over Chinnor, and a platform to push further up the table in the coming weeks.

Sources: Holsworthy Today, 2 November 2026; Sportradar match result.