Pirates overcame a dose of the dropsies in the first half to defeat a spirited Zingari-Richmond side at Hancock Park.
Zingari-Richmond was forced to make 11 changes to its starting line-up because of injuries, and was further burdened when inspirational captain and hooker Mason Pomare left with a shoulder injury after five minutes.
Nathan Napier displayed some promising touches on the right wing in his debut for Zingari, as did flanker Charley Henley in just his second start in premier rugby.
Chris Bell displayed his versatility by making the switch from No 8 to centre and linked well.
For Pirates, it was an indifferent performance masked only by the skills of flanker Josh Clark, who served as an inspiration to both forwards and backs, creating space for two sensational tries to Marshall Suckling as well as scoring a magnificent 40m solo try himself.
Others to stand out for Pirates were No 8 Warren Kearney, the inside back combination of Steve Bruce and Glenn Dickson, and winger Adam Gavegan.
Pirates 22 (Marshall Suckling 2, Josh Clark tries; Glenn Dickson 2 conversions, penalty goal), Zingari-Richmond 10 (Ben Kent try; Sam Renwick conversion, penalty goal).
Half-time: Pirates 10-7.
Referee: Scott Taylor.
