With five minutes on the clock the Pirates were awarded a penalty on halfway which fly-half Rhys Jones opted to kick at goal. To many it might have appeared speculative, but the young man struck the ball clean and true to give the visitors an early 3-0 lead.

The score from the boot of Jones prompted the home side to seemingly up the physicality, which was especially evident at scrum time, and when former Pirates favourite Alberto Di Bernardo had an opportunity to level matters in the eleventh minute, he duly did just that with a penalty slotted from 28 metres.

From the restart the Pirates took the game to their Yorkshire opponents, with the back-row trio of Matt Evans, Chris Morgan and Blair Cowan to the fore. Leeds actually appeared a little rattled, with it already looking likely that this game would be as close as other memorable games played between the two clubs in recent seasons.

The Cornish team's defence looked sound as it ably dealt with the running threat of wing Richard Welding. However, when a second kickable penalty was conceded, Di Bernardo 's successful effort made it 6-3.

Still matching their opponents for effort, the Pirates responded with confidence as scrum-half Ed Fairhurst took play close to the Leeds line. Gaining such territorial advantage raised hopes of a further Pirates score being created, but when a penalty was given away the hosts were able to clear their line

The Cornish Pirates were then forced to reshuffle their midfield when Winn had to leave the field injured, but if his loss was a blow, then worse immediately followed after Leeds flanker Calum Clark opened up space in midfield. The England U20s captain off-loaded to supporting centre Jonny Hepworth and full-back Leigh Hinton scored a converted try out wide.

Now would be a test of character for the Cornish Pirates side. They needed to score next and thankfully did so when Jones kicked his second well-struck penalty in the match after a Leeds player had been caught offside.

Flanker Morgan had a clear run for the line, but to the dismay and disbelief of all in the Pirates camp, the referee apparently whistled for a knock-on. It appeared a cruel decision in the context of the match, and it was evident that on-lookers were completely mystified.

They had otherwise enjoyed a pulsating, entertaining and even first forty minutes, and although the Pirates were behind (13-6), they were nevertheless clearly still in with a shout.

On resumption of play the commitment level was still intense, but Leeds, led by American international prop Mike MacDonald, tried to play it tighter.

An early score was sought by the Pirates, and it was about to be delivered. Luke made a crunching tackle, a scrum to the Pirates followed, and the ball reached Jones who, to the surprise of all, snapped a magnificent drop goal which narrowed the deficit to just four points.

It was not long before a flurry of replacements were introduced, when it was hoped that Pirates hitherto kept on the bench would soon have an influence on proceedings.

There was certainly every possibility, but the on field flow was broken because of a number of injuries that arose. Also, it must be said, that in Leeds' replacement prop Fosi Pala'amo, besides the familiar face of Vili Ma'asi, they had a potent ball carrier who was starting to make an impact.

A penalty kicked by Di Bernardo extended Leeds Carnegie's lead, but the Pirates stayed in contention as play built to what would surely be a tense finale. The chance of at least achieving a bonus point looked possible, as they were certainly putting up an heroic defensive display.

As the minutes ticked away it looked as if Leeds would simply maintain their unbeaten home record and settle for a narrow win, but this was a game about to end in a more dramatic fashion. A converted try from replacement centre Scott Barrow ensured victory for the home side, but could they now better it?