The Cornish Pirates were defeated by a slick London Scottish side, whose blend of youth and experience proved too much for the below-par visitors.

Under the lights at the Richmond Athletic Ground, it promised to be an interesting and competitive affair with both teams coming off of disappointing losses.

Territorial advantage was achieved by the Pirates in the first few minutes, but the home side opened the scoring.

London Scottish winger Hayden Hyde posed a danger with an excellent run, and taking play to the line the opening try was scored on the quarter of an hour mark by lock George Hammond.

Lloyd-Seed added the extra two points.

The home team’s second converted try was scored by their skipper and flanker Bailey Ransom.

Things were not going well for the Pirates, who suffered another setback when Eoin O’Connor went off injured.

But London were quick to score again.

Hyde was hauled down just short on the Pirates line, and shortly after, it was Lucas Friday who was awarded a try, with Lloyd-Seed adding the extras.

The Pirates appeared to up their efforts.

A score would eventually materialise though when, a cross-field kick by fly-half Bruce Houston was snaffled by wing Arthur Relton, who wriggled over at the corner.

Houston’s conversion attempt from wide drifted to the left of the posts, for the score to read 21-5 at the break.

(Image: Brian Tempest)

There was work to do in the second half for the Pirates.

Despite a bright start, 10 minutes into the second period the home side won a penalty.

From the resulting drive to the line it was Harlequins hooker Sam Riley who scored a bonus point providing the fourth try for London Scottish.

Pirates replacement hooker Harry Hocking then scored the team’s second try.

While replacement fly-half Iwan Jenkins was luckless with his conversion attempt.

The trend continued after a try from Hiscocks that made it 26-15 with 12 minutes to go.

There was still time for the Pirates to spoil the party, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Pirates joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "In the first half our level of performance was nowhere near it, and we were too easy to beat in all honesty.

"To their credit I think they left us with too much to do.

"I was disappointed and there were some choice words at halftime because we didn’t look like a Pirates side".