Cornish Pirates and London Welsh reach Championship Final
Bristol's hopes of promotion to the Aviva Premiership ended at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday, despite a 29-18 victory over Cornish Pirates.
Pirates survived a thrilling comeback byBristolto advance to the RFU Championship Final 63-53 on aggregate after taking a 21-point advantage into the clash following their semi-final first leg victory last weekend.
Pirates cannot be promoted due to the limitations of their Mennaye Field ground and withBristolthe only side with a stadium that meets Premiership standards, Newcastle Falcons could escape relegation.
The Pirates did not put themselves forward for the Rugby Football Union's Premiership entry audit, and neither did Bedford, who were edged out 30-27 by London Welsh over two legs.
Bedfordwon Sunday's second leg 24-17 at Old Deer Park, but they came up just short after losing the home tie 13-3.
The Richmond-based Exiles are adamant they will meet Premiership entry criteria, which they underlined through a statement released earlier this week by club chairman Bleddyn Phillips and the board of directors.
It is thought that they are considering a possible ground-share with League Two football clubOxfordat the Kassam Stadium, although a move to Harlequins' Twickenham Stoop has also been mooted.
