Welsh win Championship title
London Welsh captured the Championship title with a 29-20 comeback win over Cornish Pirates at the Kassam Stadium.
Last Updated: 05/07/12 5:15pm
London Welsh captured the Championship title with a 29-20 comeback win over Cornish Pirates at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium.
Nineteen points from the boot of full-back Alex Davies and second-half tries by Hudson Tonga'uiha and Jack Moates secured a 66-41 aggregate win for the Exiles.
As it stands, Welsh will remain in the Championship after the Rugby Football Union ruled that they had failed to meet the minimum standards for promotion.
However, the club have stated they will contest that decision, meaning Newcastle Falcons remain uncertain as to what division they will compete in next season.
"Hopefully everything off the pitch will get sorted now. We have given the RFU something to think about," London Welsh captain Jonathan Mills told Sky Sports.
Ambitious
Welsh moved the game to Oxford in an attempt to outline their Premiership credentials but were on back foot early on as the Pirates started positively.
Davies cancelled out an Aaron Penberthy drop goal and Rob Cook penalty, but Welsh trailed at the interval after a wonderful break by the latter resulted in a try for wing Matt Evans.
Three Davies penalties after the break put Welsh in control and they made sure of the win late on as the Pirates ran out of steam.
Centre Tonga'uiha brushed out some tired tackles to touch down on 67 minutes, with Davies adding the extras.
The Pirates did muster a late rally, prop Ryan Storer barging over, but Welsh had the final say as fellow replacement Jack Moates crossed in the corner to secure the title.
