Cornish Pirates 5, Bedford Blues 6

Bedford Blues exacted a painful revenge over the Cornish Pirates for their pre-Christmas humbling at Goldington Road landing a penalty four minutes from time to spoil the Pirates St Piran's Festivities.

In a game spoiled for the most part by a vicious westerly gales there was little cheer for the fans of both teams, as the match descended into a midfield scrap for lengthy periods.

With the wind at their backs in the first half the Pirates made all of the running but fly-half Rhys Jones missed with two penalty attempts. Bedford took 25 minutes to break over the Pirates 10 metre line and although Jimmy Moore had gone close to a try for the Pirates, the Blues ended the first 40 looking more likely to break the deadlock.

Finally with 52 minutes played Bedford edged ahead with a 30 metre penalty from Brendan Burke. The Pirates, now playing into the howling storm, resorted to simple tactics. Their pick and go game was finally rewarded ten minutes from time when the pack carved open a huge gap in the Blues cover and Jones cantered over from 10 metres for the only try of the game.

The Pirates looked favourites to hang on to their lead until indiscipline deep in their own half cost them dearly. Billy Twelvetrees slotted a simple penalty and the Blues played out time with the Pirates ultimately frustrated.

Cornish Pirates Winnan, Devlin, Ireland, Winn (Luke 69), Moore, Jones, Griffiths, Paver, Dawidiuk, Heard (Franklin 66), Senekal, Gulliver (capt) (Burak 75), Morgan (Cowan 69), Motusaga, Bedes

Replacements (not used) –Elloway, Fairhurst, Whatling

Tries – Jones

Bedford Blues Harries, Dodge, Burke, Vass (Roberts 71), Davey, Twelvetrees (Walshe 47-56), Dickson (Walshe 80), Walsh (Cecere 61), Richmond (capt)(Locke 59-66), Boulton, Howard (Cannon 61), Botha, Gillanders, Harding, Tupai (McKay 71)

Replacements (not used) –Owen

Pens – Davey, Twelvetrees

Referee – K.Lewis (RFU)

Attendance – 4,764

To read Jo's Points Mean Prizes at the Pirates blog, click here