London Scottish director of rugby Terry O'Connor insists the National Division Three South title race is still wide open, despite losing influential forward Jon Pettemerides for the season.

The Cypriot back-row star ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee on international duty for his country last weekend and has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

O'Connor's men suffered a 20-5 defeat in testing conditions at league leaders Mounts Bay on Saturday leaving the Exiles seven points adrift of the Cornishmen.

But the Athletic Ground chief believes the chase for promotion has a long way to run.

"Jon is one of our major ball carriers and we will be poorer without him," he said ahead of Saturday's home clash with Bridgwater & Albion.

"I've always said that if you've got a strong squad you've always got a chance of catching other teams out.

"This season is not done yet at all. Ealing will still have something to say about things as well as a few others, so there is plenty of opportunity for teams at the top to slip up."