London Welsh will take a 16-point lead into the 2nd leg of their Championship final with the Cornish Pirates after a stunning display at Mennaye Field.

On the ground where Bristol’s promotion hopes were dashed just a few short weeks ago, and the Exiles hadn’t won in their previous three visits, Lyn Jones’ side grasped the initiative ahead of next Wednesday’s (May 30) return game at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.

USA center Andrew Suniula started for the Pirates and will be a key player for them next week also. Shawn Pittman was expected to be available for London Welsh, and was named in their 22, but was a late scratch.

Meanwhile, London Welsh got some bad news just as they got some good. The RFU informed London Welsh Wednesday that they would not be gaining promotion to the Aviva Premiership because London Welsh's home ground is inadequate for Premiership rugby.

The club countered that it alread has an agreement to use Kassam Stadium, the home of Oxford United soccer team and a facility that seats over 12,000.

The sharing of the ground with a soccer team was apparently a no-go with the RFU< despite the fact other Premiership teams do the same. London Welsh is expected to appeal the decision.