Search for
Search for
Search forDi Bernardo says title race will go to wire
Friday, November 21, 2008, 10:00
The Yorkshire club are currently sitting in pole position of National League One – three points ahead of Exeter Chiefs – following last Sunday's hard fought 25-23 victory over the Cornish Pirates at Camborne.
The division's top two are set to meet for a second time this season at Headingley next month in a game which many observers believe could well have a huge bearing on who wins the sole promotion place into English rugby's top tier.
But whilst both Leeds and Exeter will insist there is plenty of tough rugby to be played between now and the end of the season, it's hard not to single out the December 20 showdown as being a defining moment in the campaign.
Certainly Di Bernardo, who left the Pirates at the end of the 2006-07 season to join Leeds in the Premiership, is aware of the stakes riding on that particular fixture.
"When we played down at Exeter earlier in the season, it was a very tough game for us and we were very glad to go away from there with the win," said the Argetinian-born back. "We know when they come to us next month it will be just as tough, but we have a strong belief in ourselves and if we are on top of our game, then I think we can win the league."
Just as they did at Sandy Park earlier in the season, Leeds started last Sunday's encounter against the Pirates with a bang as they swept into a 12-0 lead inside three minutes.
The Pirates, however, hit back strongly and – like Exeter – were left counting the cost of a disappointing opening, one which left them playing catch-up for the remainder of the game.
Di Bernardo admitted afterwards that he and his team-mates were glad to overcome the threat of his former club, one which he still holds very close to his heart.
"We played well in the first 20 minutes and we knew playing that way we were going to score some points," added Di Bernardo, who accrued a staggering 329 during his one season in the Duchy.
"I thought the Pirates played a great game, especially in the second half. They really tested us and caused us a few problems, but in the end we were glad to get the win.
"We came down to get the win and hopefully the bonus point, but a win is a win and Camborne is a really tough place to come and get a win."
The fact that Leeds failed to secure the bonus point means Exeter lie just three points behind them in the standings as the season draws ever closer to the halfway stage.
For Di Bernardo – who was signed by the Pirates from Italian side L'Aquila – coming back to Cornwall was pleasing in a number of ways.
He added: "Of course winning the game was very important for me, but it was great to be back here again. It was different, of course, and when I finished my kicking before the game I went into the other changing room by mistake and thought 'what am I doing here?'
"It was, though, great to see all my friends and the supporters again. For me, the Pirates fans are the best in England and I really enjoyed coming back down here and seeing them all."
Personal Injury Specialists. No Win No Fee, As Seen On TV.
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
Budget conservatories sale is on now. Extend your home from just £1295 with a budget conservatory.
Leeds fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo in action against the Pirates
Comment on this story