CORNISH Pirates have had their appeal over the result change from their British & Irish Cup game with Bedford Blues dismissed after an appeal hearing in London.

The side had won the match last month 35-34, but the score was changed to 34-28 in favour of the Blues as it was deemed the Pirates had breached regulations on player numbers on the field.

Prop Tyler Gendall had to go off injured in the second half and with no available front row player available, fly-half Bertie Hopkin went on instead forcing uncontested scrums.

Hopkin went onto score a last gasp winning try, but the RFU deducted the points as regulations state the Pirates should have played on with just 14 men.

After hearing the verdict, club chairman Ian Connell said: "We are naturally very disappointed with this decision.

"We took appropriate legal opinion in making our appeal and believed that we had a strong case.

"However we now move on to the next round of three pool matches starting at the end of November."

Director of rugby Ian Davies added: "While disappointed with the outcome nothing has altered in terms of the task we face.

"We go into the next block of games knowing that three wins are required to progress to the quarter-finals."