Just one match survived the big freeze in the British & Irish Cup and reigning champions Cornish Pirates took full advantage of their game against Leinster going ahead.

Playing their third fixture in nine days, the Pirates treated a crowd of just over 2,000 to a six- try win. The Pirates ran out convincing 43-12 winners to leapfrog their Irish rivals and move to the top of Pool A. Scrum- half James Doherty turned in a man- of- the- match performance, and it was also a memorable day for half- back partner, Jonny Bentley, who scored a try as well as landing five conversions and a penalty for an 18- point haul. The Pirates are the only side in the competition to boast maximum points from the sides that have played at least twice and have a game in hand on Leinster.

Llanelli are mirroring the current success of the regional side in the Heineken Cup to sit top of Pool B.

In Pool C, Moseley’s shock win at London Welsh in Round 1 sees them level on points with Ulster who they were due to meet last week until the weather took an icy grip on the fixture list. Moseley, though, have only played one game to Ulster’s two.

Pool D has been as badly affected by postponements as Pool C, with only six games played to date. Birmingham/ Solihull and Doncaster have yet to fulfil a fixture. Welsh duo, Pontypridd and Llandovery, top the pool with the remaining four sides yet to register a point.