Glenn Dickson's all-round prowess was crucial in Pirates' deserved win over Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo.
Dickson controlled the game astutely from first five-eighth, kicked his first five attempts at goal - some from acute angles in the tricky wind - and made the break for the match-clinching try.
Pirates led 16-0 at half-time after having the advantage of the breeze and struck a vital blow six minutes into the second spell when Dickson made a spectacular break, beating defenders off both feet, to send winger Marshall Suckling over under the posts.
Down 23-0, Zingari came back through tries by centre Kurt Schruder and halfback Troy England but it was not enough and Pirates extended its lead nine minutes from the end when No 8 Warren Kearney drove over from a scrum.
Halfback Steve Bruce combined well with Dickson while Suckling and Adam Gavegan were full of running on the wings.
Nic Wilson pulled down good line-out ball, Daniel Johnson anchored a solid scrum and Josh Clark, Kearney and Garth Swan were a strong loose trio.
Hooker and captain Mason Pomare was a tigerish leader of the Zingari pack and Ryan Newman was all action from the openside flank.
Schruder ran strongly at centre and Johnny Noakes impressed when he moved from the wing to first five-eighth.
Pirates 28 (Adam Gavegan, Marshall Suckling, Warren Kearney tries; Glenn Dickson 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals), Zingari-Richmond 14 (Kurt Schruder, Troy England tries; Jonny Noakes 2 conversions).
Half-time: Pirates 16-0.
Referee: Dave Kennedy.
