Cornish Pirates

Alberto Di Bernardo Talks To Mark Stevens

JUBILANT Pirates fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo could not hide his delight after he helped inspire the Cornish club to a memorable 19-16 victory over Exeter Chiefs in yesterday's EDF Energy National Trophy final at Twickenham.

Alberto Looks Cool & Calm

Di Bernardo's four penalties and conversion to Vili Ma'asi's try sparked the Duchy's first rugby party in the capital since the 'last one out of Cornwall turn the lights off' County Championship exodus back in 1991.

Not for the first time this season, the 26-year-old playmaker used the cup competition as the chance to showcase his array of skills to a much wider audience. Yesterday, though, he saved his piece de resistance for the biggest stage of all.

With the Pirates seemingly down and out at 16-6, the Rosario-born back not only helped kick the Cornish club back into life, but also to victory over their Westcountry rivals.

"I am very happy," he said at the final whistle. "It was a very tough game for us. We played well in the second half when we needed the points and in the end we won the cup, which was our objective. "For me, this means a lot and it means a lot to the boys and the supporters as well. To win at Twickenham in a final is very special. The support we had today was massive, I don't know how many in the end, but they have come a long way from Cornwall so we are very happy for them." A summer move to Leeds Tykes and the Guinness Premiership beckons now for Di Bernardo. However, the player was determined that his swansong for the Cornishmen would be a Twickenham triumph. "I will remember this day forever," he added. "It was fantastic to play at Twickenham, it is such a great stadium. It has been a tough run to the final, but in the end we have won which is the most important thing."

Alberto Relaxes With Tim Cowley - Pre Match

Certainly Leeds will be relishing the prospect of having the Argentine ace on their books next season. With over 300 points this season, Di Bernardo has proved a real find having arrived in England a relative unknown.

His goalkicking prowess has been immense all season and against the Chiefs he underlined his credentials, particularly with the winning penalty.

He said: "We had two scrums, I think, and we did not score. Catts [Gavin Cattle] asked me if I want to go for the points, and I said 'yes'. My team-mates were very supportive and I was so pleased to see the kick go over, it was great."