Aviva Premiership Rugby club Newcastle Falcons were given a boost by RFU Championship team Cornish Pirates who beat Bristol.

The Cornish Pirates have left Bristol's promotion to the Premiership in doubt after they beat Bristol 45-24 in the first Semi-final.

Bristol are the only team in line for promotion who would qualify for the Premiership.

The Pirates already know that they will not be promoted as their ground does not fulfill Premiership criteria and the same applies with Bedford who are one of the other semi-finalists.

Bristol now have to win well next week at the Memorial Ground in next Sunday's second leg.