LUKE Eves believes Bristol's narrow defeat at Cornish Pirates can act as a real spur for the Championship table-toppers going into the play-offs.

Bristol went down 18-17 at the Mennaye Field on Sunday, outscored by two tries to one and edged out in the physical confrontation by a Pirates side chasing a top-two finish.

But centre Eves, who scored the first try of his second spell at Bristol during the loss, believes his team-mates can use the experience of losing in Penzance to improve when it really matters this season – in the play-offs.

"We knew how tough it was going to be going down there – and, trust me, we didn't go there thinking 'we've won the league, it's going to be easy'," said Eves, in reference to his team securing top spot in the table prior to Sunday's game.

"We knew what we had to do down there and we were bitterly disappointed. We weren't far away and when we had possession of the ball, I'd say we made our fair share of line-breaks. It was just a case of finishing them off – and it wasn't to be on Sunday.

"But we know what we've got to do going forward now. We know we're a far better team than we showed on Sunday – it's just about nit-picking over little things.

"We're a proud club and we're proud individuals – and we wanted to go down there and get a win, because that would have been a massive psychological edge. But, then again, it could be a good thing.

"We were just pipped there at the end and we know we've got to work on – and our feet are firmly on the ground. We'll review the Pirates game and there will be a lot of things to work on – but this will fire us up even more."

Eves rejoined his hometown club from Newcastle last month after almost two years away and the 22-year-old has slotted seamlessly back into life at Bristol.

But he knows he will have to maintain a high level of performance to remain in the team – with Will Helu, Junior Fatialofa and Fautua Otto all competing for the centre spots.

"I'm really enjoying it," he said.

"I've had two games now and I'm still processing a few things – the calls and the way we're playing. I was delighted to get a try back in the Bristol shirt, but unfortunately it wasn't enough.

"The competition here is only going to make us better as individuals – and that's right across the board: centres, wingers, back row, everything. Everyone is on their toes and everyone has to put in a good performance.

"Even when the subs came on, they played their part and you could put a so-say second-string team out and it would be hardly any different."

Eves also paid tribute to fellow new recruit, Henry Vanderglas, after the Australian flanker turned in a high-tempo display at the Mennaye.

"Henry was outstanding," said Eves.

"Maybe it's because of his sevens background, but we saw how athletic and dynamic he is – he was making line-breaks for fun."

Pirates yesterday confirmed that prop Paul Andrew, who was carried from the field on a stretcher and in a neck brace at the end of Sunday's game, had not suffered a serious injury.