Pirates hold nerve to steal it In a thriller

CORNISH Pirates capitalised on late Bedford mistakes to seal a Championship Cup semi-final with Ealing after a dramatic extra-time victory at Goldington Road.

Cornish Pirates were the first try scorers after a pair of Bedford penalties; a smart move from a lineout finding its way to Carwyn Penny to dot down and with Arwel Robson adding the extras, the Pirates led 7-6.

Mike Rayer's side hit back almost immediately a wonderful break and an equally wonderful assist from the impressive George Hendy fed Matt Worley who sprinted over to restore the home side's lead as the game ignited into life. A second Worley try followed as Goldington Road erupted and with Maisey nailing the conversion, the Blues led 20-7 on the half hour mark.

De Battista and Blackmore tries swung the pendulum back in the Pirates favour but, just like in the first half, Bedford responded immediately courtesy of substitute Oli Stedman.

Will Maisey had an opportunity from the peg to increase Bedford's lead but pulled it and it came back to bite as replacement Shae Tucker escaped free from the restart to score.

The conversion was missed, and with Bedford leading by one point, the two teams were level at 6464 with minutes remaining.

Neither side could find the breakthrough in the closing moments with Bedford Blues winning 27-26 but the tie finishing 64 points apiece as extra-time loomed.

Once again, Cornish Pirates made Bedford pay for their errors as Tucker

touched down to regain a 33-27 lead at half-time in extra time.

The Blues had their opportunities. Maisey's magic had deserted him as he spurned a further penalty opportunity before Goldington Road celebrated once more with Dean Adamson diving over.

Maisey missed the con

version though, leaving Bedford one point short again but another opportunity came moments later, only for Stedman to drop the ball with the try line in his sights.

It was drama of the highest accord and, while Maisey had endured a torrid 20 minutes, he had the opportunity to make amends once more.

It was the final kick of the game and as the penalty floated wide, the full-time whistle was blown on a 33-32 Pirates victory, winning the tie by two points on aggregate.

REFEREE: Charlie Gayther ATTENDANCE: 2,600