The Cornish Pirates will take a 45-24 point lead into the second leg of their play-off semi-final with Bristol after a rousing second half fight-back saw them score five tries.
Bristol, who topped the Championship table, started the play-off match well scoring two early tries to lead 14-0.
Rob Cook scored three penalties for the Pirates, but playing against the wind they trailed 17-9 at the break.
A try by Cook, followed by a penalty put the Pirates 19-17 in front, but Bristol replied with a try of their own to re-take the lead.
However, from then on it was the Pirates who dominated.
Carl Rimmer added two second half tries, while David Doherty and Grant Pointer also crossed the line.
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