Pirates boss proud despite Ealing thrashing

Gavin Cattle's side have won six and lost six of their 12 league matches this season

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle says he is proud of his injury-hit side's losing bonus point in their 84-29 loss at Championship leaders Ealing.

The Pirates, who were 49-12 at half time, conceded 12 tries but scored five of their own.

Hugh Bokenham and Harry Hocking crossed in the first half before Iwan Jenkins and replacements Matt Pritchard and Ollie Andrews went over in the second period.

The Pirates remain sixth in the Championship while Ealing are 13 points clear at the top having won 11 of their 12 games.

"It's a pretty humbling experience," Cattle told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"Our preparation in the week was around getting four tries. We've come up here in the past and been beaten by less points and come away with nothing.

"You just have to look at that pack; Matt Pritchard making his debut, Alfie Bell and Fintan Coleman in the second row, Fin's a six, and the boys just got on with it.

"We've had to chop and change the pack - Harry Hocking's at seven, he's a hooker and it was always going to be a tough challenge up here.

"But five tries really, I'm really happy with the fight.

"I don't think I'd ever say this is as a coach, but. when you've had that amount of points put on you but still be proud of a performance, and I was."