Stevens injury mars Pirates opening victory

John Stevens has spent the last 11 years at Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates captain John Stevens could be out for "a while" after injuring his knee in the season-opening 24-18 win at Nottingham.

The forward came off just before half-time as the Pirates registered a bonus-point victory in the East Midlands.

"It's not looking good if I'm honest," joint-head coach Gavin Cattle told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"We won't jump the gun just yet, but the initial feeling is that he will be out for a while."

The injury marred a good away victory for the Penzance-based side as they look to back up last season's second-placed finish in the second tier.

Stevens was forced over for the Pirates' opening try after 10 minutes before Matt McNab crossed to make it 12-0 just two minutes later.

Harry Clayton pulled a try back for Nottingham after 20 minutes, but 10 minutes later Pirates forward Morgan Nelson went over to make it 17-10 at the break.

Matt Arden's second penalty of the afternoon reduced the deficit to 17-13 midway through the second period, but Hugh Bokenham's try with three minutes left sealed the win before Jay Ecclesfield got a late consolation try.

"I'm really pleased with the attitude," Cattle added of his side.

"As you'd expect with the first game of the season, there's some areas that we really need to tighten up on, but I felt it was a good start."