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Head coach Mike Abbott says that putting teams under greater pressure in recent weeks has resulted in an upturn in Cornwall’s performances and results.

The Choughs pushed promotion chasers Dewsbury and Hunslet close before recording fine wins over London Skolars and Midlands Hurricanes.

Then, last time out, Cornwall pushed Workington all the way to eventually go down 34-16 with the final scoreline flattering the hosts somewhat.

And now, with North Wales the opponents this coming Sunday, Abbott is urging his side to squeeze their opposition even more to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.

“We have learnt over the past few weeks how to build a little bit more pressure against teams,” Abbott told cornwallrlfc.co.uk. “Last weekend against Workington, we had chances and engineered good field position for ourselves.

“When we got close to their line we caused problems and we did come away from points. We need to do similar against North Wales, but do it for even longer spells.”

When Cornwall last locked horns with the Crusaders, at the Mem back in May, Carl Forster’s side found themselves trailing as half-time approached.

But two tries before the break put the visitors in charge and after the turnaround, they scored 24 unanswered points to ease home.

However, Abbott is predicting a much closer game this time round, as evidenced by comparing Cornwall’s two outings this season against Workington. A 54-0 at Derwent Park in June was then followed by a loss in which the final margin was just 18 points in favour of the Cumbrians. 

Abbott added: “We are going up to North Wales this weekend to get a result and we’re certainly not writing a win off. That shows how far we have come as a team and we are really competing with teams and pushing them really close.

“Workington knew they had been in a real game with us which was almost chalk and cheese from the game up at their place.

“I’m confident it will be similar at North Wales and we can give a really good account of ourselves. If we go about our business and play the football we know we can play, then come the final whistle, we will be there or thereabouts.”