Players such as Sam Beagrie, George Maslaveckas, Alex Savage, Damian Broadhurst, Chris Igoe, Ollie Myers, Adam Lovett and Joe Hay are sixth form students at schools in the area.

In addition Max Simmons, Jack Elacott and Finn Gray played only their second game of senior rugby, but showed they have extremely bright rugby futures in the game.

Despite being at a disadvantage physically, the Third XV played with real intelligence, moving the ball out wide whenever possible and where the pace of their threequarter line proved the difference between the sides.

James Tapster leading by example and linking superbly well with new recruits to the club this season - Fijian Centre Bali and the pacey wing Matt Halpin. This combination caused problems for the Pirates defence throughout the afternoon.

Winning comfortably at the break through their creative attacking play, the second half was much tougher with the Third XV relying on their defence to keep the Pirates ‘pick and drive’ at bay.

While there were many great performances by the Third’s young players – Open Side Jack Elacott a thorn in the side of the opposition throughout was the Third XV’s stand-out performer.

Match report by Kevin Ellis