The Pirates, fifth in League One, came back from 13-3 and 16-6 down against opponents two league places below them.

The teams were locked at 3-3 before a converted try from full-back Gary Kingdom helped put Exeter 13-3 up.

But Di Bernardo converted hooker Viliami Ma'asl's try and landed two more penalties to see the Pirates home.

It was the perfect parting gift from the Argentine fly-half, who - along with Ma'asl - is joining Leeds next season.

It was a fantastic advert for National Division One rugby Exeter boss Pete Drewett

"It wasn't only me, it was the support of the boys and the crowd," said Di Bernardo. "We finished very well and I will remember this day for ever."

Captain Gavin Cattle added: "We left it a bit late but we showed a lot of character. It was like a furnace out there but the boys stepped up to the plate and turned it round."

Fly-half Tony Yapp's three penalties and conversion of Kingdom's try appeared to have given the Chiefs victory, but they could not resist the late Pirates' onslaught.

"All credit to the Pirates - they came back very strongly and Di Bernardo kicked well," said Exeter director of rugby Pete Drewett.

"The lads are very disappointed because they had an element of control there and there was a feeling they were going to come out on top.

"But it was a fantastic advert for National Division One rugby."

Cornish Pirates: A Winnan; R McAtee, D Roke, D Bell, J Hylton; A Di Bernardo, G Cattle (capt); A Paver, V Ma'asi, S Heard, H Senekal, J Beardshaw, S McKenn, I Motusaga, T Colwey.
Reps: L Vinncombe, D Seal, C Cracknell, J Inglis, N Makin, J Moore, S Winn.

Exeter Chiefs: G Kingdom; J Luff, M Fatialofa, J Fatialofa, A Murdoch; T Yapp, K Barrett; R Liddington, S Blythe, J Horn-Smith, I Brown, J Hanks, T Walker, G Willis, R Baxter.
Reps: A Miller, C Slade, I Wilson, A Staniforth, W Kelly, S Jenkins, S Bennett.