MIXED RESULTS AS EXILES CONCLUDE CAMPAIGN
LONDON IRISH ended their first season back in the top flight in 10th after an away win at Exeter, before suffering a final day defeat to Bristol.
The season finished in unusual circumstances with the Exiles playing their remaining fixtures at the Twickenham Stoop after the season was paused for three months. Theywill play at Brentford FC’s Community Stadium from next season after 17 years at the
Madejski Stadium.
Exeter 19-22 London Irish
Irish claimed their first victory since the restart with their first win over Exeter in five years.
The Chiefs had a much changed side having reached the Heineken Champions Cup final just a few days previous to their league meeting with the Exiles.
It took 20 minutes for the first points of the game to be scored as Paddy Jackson got Irish off the mark with a successful long range kick from a penalty to put them 3-0 up.
Exeter hit back and broke through the Irish defence just three minutes later to score the first try of the day.
But it didn’t take long for Irish to reply. Ben Loader broke forward with a surging run to get the Exiles metres away from the line before Matt Cornish dived over to apply the finish.
The sides continued to trade blows and it was Exeter who got over for the next score, but Irish added another try in the last play of the half to ensure theywould go into half-time with a lead.
Curtis Rona broke away after intercepting a pass in his own half and showed immense pace and desire to make it into the corner as he evaded the Chiefs defence to put Irish 15-12 in front.
The lead changed hands once again when
Hendrickson got a breakaway try for Exeter to give them a 19-15 advantage.
But Irish showed theirwill to win and got over once again in the 70th minute as Agustin Creevey touched down with the final score of the game as Irish took a
22-19 victory.
London Irish 7-36 Bristol Bears
Irish couldn't build on the momentum of their awaywin at Exeter as theywere defeated by Bristol Bears, who booked their place in the play-offs with victory.
Bristol scored the first try of the game as O’Connor broke down the wing before passing to Semi Radradra who touched down in the corner.
Ollie Hassel-Collins replied for Irish after Ben Earl added a second try for the Bears.
But Bristol showed their dominance with three more tries in the second half to seal a convincing win and condemn the Exiles to a final day defeat.