Kenwyn Rugby Ground

Kenwyn
Cornish Pirates vs Plymouth Albion at Kenwyn, April 2006
LocationTruro, Cornwall
OperatorCornish Pirates
Capacity5800
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Built2005
OpenedSunday 18 September 2005
ClosedApril 2006
Tenants
Cornish Pirates

The Kenwyn Ground was a temporary rugby ground,[1] in Cornwall, UK, built in an attempt to increase the fan base of the newly named Cornish Pirates. The move was controversial and caused resentment from some members and followers of Penzance and Newlyn RFC, as a "proud local name" was lost to the rugby world. The Pirates stayed for just one season (2005–06), playing twelve matches, moving to the Camborne Recreation Ground for the 2006–07 season. The move to Kenwyn was considered to be justified as the average attendance increased by 40% on the previous season.[2]

History

The Kenwyn Ground was previously used by Truro Rugby Club in the early part of the 20th century and was the playing field for Truro Cathedral School for many years.[1][3]

First Match

  • Sunday 18 September 2005. Cornish Pirates v Earth Titans[1] 43 – 13 (att 2400)

Last Match

  • Sunday 16 April 2006. Cornish Pirates v Plymouth Albion 29 – 28 (att 3850)

Matches at Kenwyn Rugby Ground 2005–06

Date Opponent Result Score Attendance
1 18 Sep Earth Titans won 43 – 13 2400
2 9 Oct Nottingham won 29 – 21 2800
3 30 Oct Sedgley Park won 53 – 8 2443
4 13 Nov Otley won 41 – 22 2600
5 4 Dec Coventry won 15 – 10 2200
6 2 Jan Doncaster Knights won 43 – 26 2969
7 15 Jan Newbury won 30 – 10 2689
8 29 Jan Exeter Chiefs lost 16 – 23 2901
9 12 Feb Bedford won 26 – 21 2657
10 5 Mar Pertemp Bees won 21 – 13 1814
11 26 Mar NEC Harlequins lost 8 – 29 5800
12 16 Apr Plymouth Albion won 29 – 28 3850
  • For completeness details of the final home league match of the season, played at the Mennaye Field, is also shown.[2]
13 29 Apr London Welsh won 36 – 13 1724

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Club plays at new temporary site". BBC News. 18 September 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  2. ^ a b Tomlin, S. and Straughan, D. (2009). Pirates! Pirates! The Rise and Rise of a Cornish Rugby Club. Penzance: Cornish Pirates.
  3. ^ Pirates Ahoy! Western Morning News Special Souvenir Supplement, 2005.