Cornish Pirates face 'defining moment' of their season says coach Alan Paver

Cornish Pirates scored seven tries in their 41-17 win over Nottingham last week

Cornish Pirates face a "defining moment" of their season as they prepare to face three of their top five rivals away from home in the Championship.

They begin with a visit to leaders Coventry on Saturday before going to fifth-placed Bedford and then second-placed Ealing in subsequent weeks.

Pirates go into the games having won five of their last six matches.

"We've got three tough away games and we know what it's all about here," joint-head coach Alan Paver said.

"Coming out of Christmas we've been in good shape, we've picked up the wins that we needed to.

"But now this'll be a defining moment of our season and it's important that we pick up wins away from home.

"We're ready for it, but we understand the challenge ahead."

Third-placed Pirates are two points behind Coventry with a game in hand, and one point off Ealing who have played one game fewer than the Cornish side as they approach the mid point of the season.

"There's still a lot to play out," added Paver to BBC Radio Cornwall.

"It's an unusual year, we had the cup matches first so the league really is just getting into the meat and potatoes of it now.

"There's going to be a lot of sides that beat each other, and it's making sure that you pick up some of those wins on the road because I think they'll be crucial when we get to the back end of the season."