Pressure builds on RFU in Welsh title triumph
LONDON WELSH 29
CORNISH PIRATES 20
LONDON Welsh won the Championship with a final victory over Cornish Pirates to increase the pressure on the Rugby Football Union over their controversial decision to deny them promotion to the Premiership.
The Exiles will not be permitted promotion, consequently preserving Newcastle’s Premiership status, because the RFU claims they fail to fulfill the necessary criteria demanded of any side competing in the top flight.
The club’s chairman Bleddyn Phillips, however, has pledged they will do “everything” within their power to overturn the decision after securing primacy of tenure in a deal already enjoyed by some Premiership clubs to share what they consider to be a suitable home ground, Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium.
London Welsh already had a 16-point advantage from the first leg but had to fight back from a losing position to overcome the plucky Pirates, who after scoring a try through Canada winger Matt Evans, and points from the boots of fly-half Aaron Penberthy and full-back Rob Cook, led 13-6 at half-time.
Penberthy had put the Pirates in front with a 45-yard dropped goal and, though full-back Alex Davies kicked six points to keep the Exiles in contention, it was the visitors who ultimately dominated.
In the second-half, however, three quick penalties from Davies put Welsh back in front as they took control of play, with winger Joe Ajuwa particularly impressive. As the Pirates chased the game, a 67th-minute try from Exiles’ centre Hudson Tonga’uiha effectively sealed victory and prompted a celebratory mood.
It may have been that that contributed to a try from Pirates prop Ryan Storer but, in reality, little changed. Scrum-half Jack Moats touched down again for the home side and this time the Championship title, if not promotion to the Premiership, had been truly sealed.