Premiership Rugby Cup: Cornish Pirates coach says new competition has been positive

Cornish Pirates scored eight tries in their Premiership Rugby Cup win over London Scottish

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle says the Premiership Rugby Cup has been positive for his side.

Championship clubs were admitted into the competition this season, with Pirates finishing third in their pool behind top-flight duo Exeter and Bath.

Pirates ended their campaign with a 50-14 win at London Scottish.

"I think it's been a breath of fresh air," Cattle said of the cup, which saw sides from the top two divisions play competitively for the first time in 18 years.

"Even being at the front end of the season, it's been quite good for the Premiership teams.

"I think it's been a worthwhile competition, especially when you've had a lot of turnover like we have this year, so it's been a great time for us to learn before hitting the Championship and finding it in the league games," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

Pirates led 19-0 at half-time against a much-changed Scottish side before going on to secure a bonus-point win as they added to their big victory over Cambridge in their previous match, with Morgan Nelson and Matt McNab both scoring two tries.

The game came as a warm-up before the two teams face one another in their league opener at the Mennaye on 20 October.

"First-half I think we were making emotional decisions rather than the picture in front of us, just because we wanted to carry or were calling for the ball because we wanted the ball as opposed to the opportunity, so we missed a few opportunities," Cattle added.

"Nineteen turnovers in that game is just too much, and against a better team - and let's face it Scottish had 13 changes - we know it's not a true reflection on what Scottish can present to us."