Stirling is calling for a big performance from Pirates

CORNISH Pirates boss Chris Stirling wants his players to build on their display at Bedford last weekend when they face Exeter on Sunday.

Stirling was pleased with his side's defensive display at Goldington Road, even though they went down to a 19-16 defeat against the Blues.

And, after stuttering displays at home against Birmingham & Solihull and Rotherham last month, he wants the Pirates to put in a big effort against the Chiefs.

"Defensively I saw what I wanted to see (at Bedford) against a team I knew would pressure us," said Stirling.

"Now we need to put in as strong a performance as we can against the Chiefs.

"We love playing at Camborne, Exeter are on form and we are really looking forward to it."

Stirling is expected to bring some of his key players back into the side for Sunday's match at the Recreation Ground.

Hooker Dave Ward and No. 8 Blair Cowan were both rested from the squad altogether against Bedford and scrum-half Gavin Cattle was placed on the bench.

Meanwhile, fly-half Jonny Bentley (flu) and wing Richard Bright (back) are fit again to challenge for a place in the matchday 22.

Cowan, who has scored 10 tries already this season, is one of five players to have been rewarded with a new two-year contract this week.

Sam Betty, Chris Morgan, James Doherty and Bentley have also agreed new deals as Stirling starts to build his squad for next season.

Scrum-half Doherty, who started against Bedford, thinks the Pirates have enough in their game to defeat the Chiefs.

"We always back ourselves to do well at our place, but at the same time we know it's going to be a massive challenge," he said.

"Exeter are a quality side and they have some top class players, but so do we and we know that if we play to our potential, we definitely have a chance to turn them over."

A win on Sunday would secure a top-eight berth for the Pirates and a place in the title play-offs, but Exeter have won the last four games between the sides.