Like Bristol, Cornish Pirates have won four of their five matches this season, having suffered their first defeat last weekend.

While Bristol were beaten at home by Exeter, the Pirates lost 16-8 at Plymouth Albion, surrendering their 100 per cent winning start to the new season.

Pirates backs coach Harvey Biljon said: "We knew exactly what Plymouth would bring to the party and, at times, I'm afraid we just didn't front up. We were very disappointed."

The Camborne-based side's four victories include an impressive opening-day success away at Nottingham, who now sit second in the Championship.

That result remains Nottingham's only defeat this term.

Pirates have since shown their clinical side in thumping Moseley 57-24, scoring nine tries in the process.

They have also seen off Coventry and Doncaster in an impressive start to the new season.

The Pirates had to make several adjustments over the summer after losing 14 players, including last season's top try-scorer, Marika Vakacegu.

But they appear to have recruited sensibly, bringing in fly-half John Bentley, scrum-half Gavin Cattle, former Bath hooker Dave Ward and lock Mike Myerscough.

Former Bristol flanker Chris Morgan and centre Tom Luke are also part of the Pirates' squad this season.