CUP matches have helped show where improvements are coming from in the Cornish Pirates squad – according to their director of rugby Ian Davies.

A 41-40 loss at Bedford Blues on Saturday means the Mennaye outfit were unable to claim on of the three best second place slots in the British & Irish Cup.

Speaking after the defeat, Davies said the competition has provided some entertaining rugby for the side and fans to watch, with only one of the games involving the Pirates being won by more than a converted try score.

He added the matches have shown where the young team are getting better as players.

Davies said: “The enthralling set of cup matches provided fantastic and exciting competition and remembering that we have a new coaching team, many new players plus new systems, we are definitely improving.

“The test for us as a group is to continue the development in our remaining games and from what we have seen thus far this hopefully bodes well for next year.”

Turning his attentions to the side’s performance on Saturday, Davies felt the Pirates were unfortunate to lose but have much to be happy with.

“The boys performed really well when asked to respond for the second half and we unluckily fell just short,” he said.

“Older heads coming back into the side made their mark with the hat-trick for Tom Riley and also a fantastic performance by Laurie McGlone when he appeared as a replacement.

“Kieran Hallett also showed that he is a class act, not just with his kicking, but also his game management.”

The Pirates next game is a derby clash against Plymouth Albion on December 27.