It looked like the Pirates were going to cut loose and win convincingly, but through good defence and determination by Plymouth this did not materialise

To start us off� here's a little about the game.

It was a cold night in Plymouth with a large crowd and, as always, a large travelling support from the Pirates.

This set the scene for a good evening's physical encounter.

The game didn't start as well as anticipated as we conceded six points within the first 10 minutes.

But once we'd composed ourselves, the momentum of the game started to change in our favour. It was pretty even up until half time.

In the second half, the conditions were playing a bigger part than was first anticipated. Luckily for us, the increasing wind and rain were at our backs.

After a penalty try was awarded for a late tackle on Mark Ireland, who nearly had his head taken clean off (much to the boys' amusement in the video session!), there was one point in it and all to play for.

It looked like the Pirates were going to cut loose and win convincingly, but through good defence and determination by Plymouth this did not materialise.

The final score was a very disappointing 20-12 to Plymouth.

As I promised last week, I will give you a little insight into my private life.

Well, where do I start?

As you know, we play our matches on Sundays at home and the distance on away games makes having a social life almost impossible.

I was looking for something to fill that void.

Some of the boys play computer games, some have their families to occupy them.

To the amazement of many, I found my activity in the unlikely form of salsa dancing.

I was introduced to it through a good friend of mine. His name is Herman, a Cuban who teaches salsa every Friday at the Legion, Bread Street, Penzance. Sorry for the plug!

I'm not the only salsa dancer in the team, however. I do have a rival in the form of our conditioning coach, Simon 'Snake Hips' Raynes, who has all but mastered the art of salsa!

I maintain he has an unfair advantage, with his partner Maria coming from Mexico and no doubt giving him extra tuition!

It really rubs salt into the wound, though, given how far out of his crease he's already batting with Maria!

Truly a case of beauty and the beast! Fear not, though, readers, Alan 'Quick Step' Paver will end triumphant!

Every week writing this article, I find myself learning more and more. This will hopefully mean a little bit of video footage next week!

Onto this week, we have a tough encounter ahead of us against a much improved London Welsh.

With a long journey ahead of us and last week's defeat at the back of our minds, it will take a spirited performance to see us through to victory, which we're more than capable of.

That's all from me this week, though, look forward to reporting a win for the Pirates on Saturday, and a win for me on the dance floor!

Grind On, Paves.

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