James Doherty column

Cornish Pirates scrum-half

A win this weekend would send out a huge message to the rest of the Championship that we're not here to make up the numbers

Derby day comes round again, this time in the form of unbeaten Exeter Chiefs.

Exeter are sitting pretty at the top of the league with 10 wins from 10.

Although finishing top of the pile doesn't give you promotion, winning is a habit and I'm sure they'll be focused on another victory this weekend.

However, I can assure you that standing in their way will be a squad of 22 players and three very determined coaches.

We have focused this week on our aggression, going even as far as awarding a 'hard as nails' award for the person who showed the highest levels of controlled aggression against Bedford.

It will come as no surprise to anyone who watched the game that Sam Betty picked up the award this week.

His low and big shots make him an attacker's nightmare. His defensive work is outstanding and his work at the breakdown is accurate.

This week, I hope it isn't as easy to pick the award winner. We'll need high levels of controlled aggression to beat this Exeter side, who are very disciplined in their game plan and will play territory all day.

Last week some may say the Gods were with us, as a kick was missed which helped us to win the game against Bedford, but as the old cliché goes, fortune favours the brave.

Let's hope for a good game all round and some valuable league points

James Doherty

The determination and willingness to win last week was clear for all to see.

We were told before the game it's either fourth place if you win or seventh if you lose, and I knew when Stirlo [high performance manager Chris Sterling] asked us what we wanted that the boys were up for it.

This week is another test of our squad, our mental attitude and application.

We are growing as a side, but if we are serious about being contenders this year then we need to take steps forward every week.

A win this weekend would send out a huge message to the rest of the Championship that we're not here to make up the numbers.

We hope to put in a good performance for the travelling support, which we know will be out in force, and again, it certainly doesn't go unnoticed.

Lets hope for a good game and some valuable league points.