London Irish Rugby Team

IL GLOUCESTER TRIONFA A TWICKENHAM
I Cherries trionfano davanti a 32.000 spettatori nel famoso torneo londinese di rugby a sette.

Giornata di gloria per il Gloucester che si è aggiudicato ieri pomeriggio a Londra per la prima volta nella sua lunghissima storia, il famoso Middlesex Sevens, uno dei più antichi tornei di rugby a sette dell'intero emisfero, disputato sin dal lontano 1927. I Cherries hanno sconfitto in finale i London Wasps con il risultato di 35 a 26 e succedono nell'albo d'oro al British Army, formazione vincitrice delle ultime 2 edizioni della prestigiosa manifestazione londinese. Gli Harlequins di Londra rimangono il club ad aver iscritto più volte il loro nome nell'albo d'oro del torneo, ben 13 le affermazioni del club londinese, compresa la prima edizione del 1927, contro le 9 del Richmond, le 8 dei London Welsh e le 7 dei London Scottish, tutti clubs della capitale britannica.
www.worldrugbynews.splinder.com/

Stats and results from the Middlesex Sevens
All the squads; results and playing records from the Compass Group Middlesex Sevens.

PLAYING SQUADS

BATH RUGBY
1 James Scaysbrook (captain)
2 Dave Ward
3 Spencer Davey
4 Rob Hawkins
5 Mike Baxter
6 Andy Williams
7 Andy Higgins
8 David Bory
9 Nick Abendanon
10 Pete Murchie

BEDFORD BLUES
6 Nic Strauss
7 Sacha Harding
8 Shaun Brady
9 Alex Page
10 Karl Dickson
11 Matt Taylor
12 Tom Luke
13 Ollie Montgomery
14 James Hinkins
15 Chris Rainbow

BLACKHEATH
1 Alastair Vanner (captain)
2 Paul Goody
3 Ken Aseme
4 Frank Louw
5 Burger Sandendurgh
6 Tyrone Sorour
7 Harvey Biljon
8 Nick Maurer
9 Prince Moyo
10 Will Wigram

BRISTOL RUGBY
6 Chris Morgan
7 Sam Cox
8 Richard Martin-Redman (captain)
9 Greg Nicholls
10 Danny Gray
11 Jon Pritchard
12 Andy Reay
13 Matt Williams
14 Marko Stanojevic
15 Redford Pennycook

BRITISH ARMY
1 L/Crp. Bul Bulumakau
2 Pte. Jope Ledua
3 Hld. Isoa Damudamu
4 Pte. Taniela Delaitamana (captain)
5 Pte. Ratu Naulivou
6 Pte. Epeli Qolikibua
7 Lt. Matt Honeyben
8 Pte. Saula Roko
9 Lt. Mark Lee
10 L/Crp. Eric Butadroka

GLOUCESTER RUGBY
1 James Bailey
3 Olly Morgan
3 Luke Narraway
4 James Forrester
5 Marcel Garvey
6 Will Matthews
7 Anthony Allen
8 Jake Boer
9 Simon Amor (captain)
10 Brad Davies

LEEDS TYKES
1 Roland Reid
2 Simon Worrall
3 Rearman Myall
4 Jon Buchanan
5 Richard Vasey
6 Dan Hyde
7 Jonny Hampsey
8 Tim Stimpson
9 Rob Vickerman (captain)
10 Dave Rees

LEICESTER TIGERS
5 James Hamilton
6 Will Skinner
7 Shane Jennings
8 Tom Croft
9 Matt Cornwell
10 Ian Humphreys
11 Tom Varndell
12 Dan Hipkiss (captain)
13 Sam Vesty
15 Ross Broadfoot

LONDON IRISH
1 Richard Thorpe
2 Declan Danaher
3 Matt Banaher
4 John Holtby
5 Paul Hodgson (captain)
6 Ross Laidlaw
7 Topsy Ojo
8 Ben Willis
9 Juan-Manuel Leguizamon
10 Nick Canty

LONDON WASPS
1 Tim Foster
2 Tom Rees (captain)
3 Joe Mbu
4 Eoin Reddan
5 Mark Lock
6 Garth Chamberlain
7 Thom Evans
8 James Haskell
9 Rob Laird
10 Jeremy Staunton

NEC HARLEQUINS
4 Jim Evans
6 Chris Robshaw
7 Luke Sherriff
8 Tom Guest
9 Steven So'oialo
10 Charlie Amesbury
11 Ugo Monye (captain)
13 Gavin Duffy
14 Simon Keogh
15 Tom Williams

NEWCASTLE FALCONS
1 Toby Flood
2 Eni Gesinde
3 Ed Williamson
4 James Hoyle
5 Adam Dehaty
6 Mathew Tait
7 Lee Dickson
8 Anthony Elliott
9 Ed Burrill
10 Tom May (captain)

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
1 Grant Seely (captain)
2 Mark Soden
3 Tom Powell
4 Jamie Supple
5 Andy Vilk
6 John Howard
7 John Rudd
8 Jon Clarke
9 Will Harries
10 Julian Bishop

SALE SHARKS
3 Sean Cox
5 Liam Roberts
6 Warren Spragg
7 Adam Newton
9 Richard Wigglesworth
10 Chris Leck
12 Christian Day
13 Ben Foden
14 Selorm Kuadey
15 Oriol Ripol

SARACENS
1 David Seymour
2 Ben T. Russell
3 Nnamdi Obi
4 Alan Dickens
5 Glen Jackson (captain)
6 Kevin Sorrell
7 Richard Haughton
8 Ben Johnston
9 Dan Scarbrough
10 Ben J. Russell

WORCESTER WARRIORS
6 Chris Hallam
7 Pat Sanderson (captain)
8 Kai Horstmann
9 Matt Powell
10 Sam Robinson
11 Martin Freeman
12 Simon Whatling
13 Johnny Taumoeheloa
14 Nicholas Le Roux
15 Will Bowley

RESULTS
1st ROUND

BRITISH ARMY 24, BEDFORD BLUES 0
British Army: Tries – Delaitamana, Naulivou, Qolikibua, Damudamu. Conv - Naulivou, Qolikibua.
Bedford Blues: nil.

GLOUCESTER RUGBY 21, WORCESTER WARRIORS 17
Gloucester: Tries – Bailey (2), Allen. Conv - Amor (3).
Worcester Warriors: Tries - Le Roux (2), Sanderson. Conv – Robinson.

NEC HARLEQUINS 43, BLACKHEATH 0
NEC Harlequins: Tries – Amesbury (2), Guest, Keogh, Monye, Sherriff, Williams. Conv - Monye (2), Williams (2).
Blackheath: nil.

BATH RUGBY 26, NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 12
Bath Rugby: Tries – Abendanon, Williams, Higgins, Ward. Conv – Abendanon (2), Williams.
Northampton Saints: Tries - Rudd, Vilk. Conv: Vilk.

LONDON WASPS 27, LEEDS TYKES 12
London Wasps: Tries – Haskell (2), Reddan, Staunton, Evans. Conv - Staunton.
Leeds Tykes: Tries – Reid, Worrall. Conv – Vasey.

LONDON IRISH 24, NEWCASTLE FALCONS 14
London Irish: Tries – Ojo (2), Hodgson, Banaher. Conv - Laidlaw (2).
Newcastle Falcons: Tries - Penalty Try, Tait. Conv - May (2).

LEICESTER TIGERS 40, BRISTOL RUGBY 5
Leicester Tigers: Tries – Varndell (3), Hipkiss, Jennings, Skinner. Conv - Humphreys (3), Varndell (2).
Bristol Rugby: Try – Nicholls.

SARACENS 31, SALE SHARKS 10
Saracens: Tries – Johnston (2), Scarbrough (2), Sorrell. Conv - Jackson (2), B.J.Russell.
Sale Sharks: Tries – Ripol, Roberts.

QUARTER FINALS

GLOUCESTER RUGBY 19, BRITISH ARMY 12
Gloucester Rugby: Tries – Bailey (2), Morgan. Conv – Amor (2).
British Army: Tries – Lee, Qolikibua. Conv – Naulivou.

NEC HARLEQUINS 22, BATH RUGBY 15
NEC Harlequins: Tries – Guest, Keogh, Monye, Williams. Conv – Williams.
Bath Rugby: Tries – Williams (2), Abendanon.

LONDON WASPS 33, LONDON IRISH 28
London Wasps: Tries – Evans (4), Reddan. Conv – Staunton (4).
London Irish: Tries – Banaher, Canty, Laidlaw, Ojo. Conv – Laidlaw (4).

LEICESTER TIGERS 10, SARACENS 0
Leicester Tigers: Tries – Broadfoot, Humphreys.
Saracens: nil.
Yellow card: Glen Jackson.

SEMI FINALS

GLOUCESTER RUGBY 14, NEC HARLEQUINS 7
Gloucester Rugby: Tries – Amor, Narraway. Conv – Amor (2).
NEC Harlequins: Try – Monye. Conv – Duffy.

LONDON WASPS 22, LEICESTER TIGERS 12
London Wasps: Tries – Evans (2), Lock, Rees. Conv – Staunton.
Leicester Tigers: Tries – Broadfoot, Croft. Conv – Humphreys.

FINAL

GLOUCESTER RUGBY 35, LONDON WASPS 26
Gloucester Rugby: James Bailey, Olly Morgan, James Forrester, Luke Narraway, Will Matthews, Anthony Allen, Simon Amor (capt).
Reps: Jake Boer, Brad Davies, Marcel Garvey.
Scorers: Tries – Allen (2), Penalty Try, Amor, Bailey. Conv – Amor (5).
London Wasps: Tom Rees (capt), Eoin Reddan, Garth Chamberlain, Thom Evans, James Haskell, Rob Laird, Jeremy Staunton.
Reps: Tim Foster, Joe Mbu, Mark Lock.
Scorers: Tries – Evans (2), Reddan, Penalty Try. Conv – Staunton (3).
Referee: Wayne Barnes.

PLATE SEMI FINALS

WORCESTER WARRIORS 19, NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 14
Worcester Warriors: Tries – Bowley (2), Le Roux. Conv – Whatling (2).
Northampton Saints: Tries – Harries, Vilk. Conv – Clarke, Vilk.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 21, LEEDS TYKES 15
Newcastle Falcons: Tries – May (2), Dickson. Conv – May (2), Dehaty.
Leeds Tykes: Tries – Stimpson, Vickerman, Worrall.

PLATE FINAL
NEWCASTLE FALCONS 14, WORCESTER WARRIORS 5
Newcastle Falcons: Tries – Dickson, May. Conv – May (2).
Worcester Warriors: Try - Le Roux.
Referee: Andrew Small.


Top Point Scorers
Name Team Tries Cons Points
Thom Evans London Wasps 9 0 45
Simon Amor Gloucester 2 12 34
Tom May Newcastle Falcons 3 6 27
James Bailey Gloucester Rugby 5 0 25
Jeremy Staunton London Wasps 1 9 23
Nicholas Le Roux Worcester Warriors 4 0 20
Tom Varndell Leicester Tigers 3 2 19
Ugo Monye NEC Harlequins 3 2 19
Andy Williams Bath Rugby 3 1 17
Ross Laidlaw London Irish 1 6 17


Top Kickers
Name Team Attempts Converted %
Tom May Newcastle Falcons 6 6 100.00
Simor Amor Gloucester Rugby 13 12 92.31
Ross Laidlaw London Irish 8 6 75.00
Ian Humphreys Leicester Tigers 6 4 66.67
Jeremy Staunton London Wasps 18 9 50
Tom Williams NEC Harlequins 7 3 42.86


Top Try Scorers
Name Team Tries
Thom Evans London Wasps 9
James Bailey Gloucester Rugby 5
Nicholas Le Roux Worcester Warriors 4
Tom May Newcastle Falcons 3
Tom Varndell Leicester Tigers 3
Ugo Monye NEC Harlequins 3
Andy Williams Bath Rugby 3
Anthony Allen Gloucester Rugby 3
Topsy Ojo London Irish 3
Eoin Reddan London Wasps 3

London Irish: 28 NEC Harlequins: 14
Fixture Type: Friendly Venue: Away
Match Date: Fri 12 Aug 2005 Attendance: 2800
"A Good Run Out!"
NEC Harlequins 14 London Irish 28
"A good run out" was how Director of Rugby Brian Smith described Friday night's performance at the Twickenham Stoop as London Irish defeated old rivals, NEC Harlequins by four converted tries to two in the first of the Exiles' pre-season friendlies..

"We used 35 players in two different teams and both sides acquited themselves well," added Smith, "Both scored two well constructed tries each in an encouraging overall performance."

The game was played in perfect conditions in three thirty minute sections. Irish's starting line-up played the first 45 minutes with the second taking over for the second section.

In a lively opening twenty minutes both teams tried to establish some rhythm after the summer break. Inevitably, the handling and passing was not as sharp as it will be as players grow used to playing in real match situations once again.

The Exiles starting XV included three of the summer signings Olivier Magne, Dominic Feau'nati and Ben Willis. All three had encouraging debuts with Magne catching the eye because of his creative play and desire for the ball.

Irish were first to score through a well worked try. Willis fed Barry Everitt from a scrum on the right. Everitt chipped the ball cross field for Justin Bishop to take the catch and race in to score in the left corner. Everitt added a superb conversion kick from just inside the touchline.

Andrew Mehrtens made his debut for the home side at the start of the second period and immediately began to have an impact on the game. He scored his first points for his new team in the 36th minute when he converted a scrambled try that was touched down by Mike Brown.

Just three minutes later the All Black showed all of his alertness when he outwitted Delon Armitage to collect a kick ahead and race in to score Quins' second try which he converted to give his side a 14-7 lead.

The lead proved short-lived as Irish counter-attacked from the re-start driving at the heart of the Quins' defence. First Neal Hatley probed on the right of midfield, then Dominic Feau'nati used his strong physique to draw in two defenders before slipping the ball to Delon Armitage. He passed to Kieron Dawson who scored out on the left. Everitt added the conversion to level the scores.

The Exiles replaced all 15 players on 45 minutes with a team led by Ryan Strudwick that featued a blend of Academy players, new signings and experienced professionals. There was much interest in the debuts of prop Michael Collins and No 8, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, both made a good impression. Of the younger players on show Ross Laidlaw and Shane Geraghty caught the eye at fly half and inside centre.

Laidlaw took a delightful inside pass from Geraghty to restore Irish's lead in the 65th minute when he touched down behind the posts. He added the conversion and was able to kick another three minutes later folowing a well constructed try by Declan Danaher.

Leading 28-14 Irish had to endure a difficult ten minutes of intense pressure from the home side. Try as they did Quins could find no way through a determined defence. The only time they crossed the line prop Doug Wheatley positioned himself between ball and ground to prevent the try.

It was Irish that continued to take the game to the home team as the clock wound down and referee Chris White blew for full time.

NEC Harlequins squad: Mike Brown; George Harder; Henry Barratt; Mel Deane; Kiba Richards; Adrian Jarvis; Ian Vass; Ceri Jones; Jimmy Richards; Ricky Nebbett; James Inglis; Simon Miall; Nick Easter; Andre Vos; Tony Diprose; Tosh Masson; Andrew Mehrtens; Aston Croall; James Hayter; Kevin Burke; George Robson; Pablo Bouza; Darren Clayton; Will Greenwood; Duncan James.

London Irish teams: 15. Delon Armitage/John Holtby; 14. Justin Bishop/Nick Canty; 13. Dominic Feau’nati/Charlie Gower; 12. Mike Catt (captain)/Shane Geraghty; 11. Scott Staniforth/Topsy Ojo; 10. Barry Everitt/Ross Laidlaw; 9. Ben Willis/Darren Edwards; 1. Neal Hatley/Michael Collins; 2. Adrian Flavin/David Paice; 3. Rob Hardwick/Richard Skuse; 4. Bob Casey/Gary Johnson; 5. Kieran Roche/Ryan Strudwick; 6. Olivier Magne/Paul Gustard; 7. Kieron Dawson/Declan Danaher; 8. Phil Murphy/Juan Manuel Leguizamon.

Replacements (all used): 16. Doug Wheatley; 17. Tom Warren; 18. Matthew Banahan; 19. Richard Thorpe; 20. Paul Hodgson; 21. Matt Humphries.

Scorers: NEC Harlequins: Tries: Brown (36min), Merthens (39); conversions: Merthens 2. London Irish: Tries: Bishop (26), Dawson (41), Laidlaw (65), Danaher (68).

Scoring sequence: 0-7, 7-7, 14-7, 14-14, 14-21, 14-28.

Referee: Mr C White (RFU)





fra pochi giorni nuova amichevole contro Ulster!

London Irish: 17 Ulster: 9
Fixture Type: Friendly Venue: Away
Match Date: Fri 19 Aug 2005 Attendance: 6330
Character and Confidence Overcome All
Ulster 9 London Irish 17
(Paddy Lennon reports from Ravenhill, Belfast)
London Irish became the first overseas team in the professional era to register two successive victories over Ulster at Ravenhill this evening. In a hard fought encounter played in difficult circumstances and in a hostile environment generated by the large, partisan home crowd, the Exiles showed depths of character and courage that auger well for the new Guinness Premiership campaign.

In achieving a notable victory the Exiles scored three tries to none. The tries came in the second half – two from the outstanding Topsy Ojo, a late replacement for Dominic Feau’nati, and one from Scott Staniforth, last season’s leading try scorer. Ross Laidlaw kicked one conversion. All of Ulster’s points came from the boot of Paul Steinmetz.

For the second week in succession the Irish defence was outstanding, bravely repulsing all that Ulster could throw at it. In the second half in particular the Exiles’ young players showed flair and good judgement in contributing to crucial plays that led to the tries.

Speaking after the match, Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “I was delighted with the character shown by all our players throughout a difficult game. That we won by three tries to none was very pleasing. We are still struggling to understand how two yellow cards can be shown in a friendly match, although the fact that the penalty count was an extraordinary 20 against us may explain the cards!”

In a lively opening quarter there was little to choose between the sides. Bob Casey and Kieran Roche were prominent in the lineout despite the attention of Ulster debutante, Justin Harrison, the famous Australian lock. In the backs the pace of Delon Armitage and Topsy Ojo down the left wing was a constant threat.

The first points of the game fell to Ulster and came in the fourth minute via the boot of inside centre Paul Steinmetz when Irish were penalised for handling in the ruck. That penalty was to set the tone for the match as the Exiles routinely found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s decisions. Inevitably, in the circumstances, when equity is perceived to be lacking, frustration breeds rapidly. Paul Gustard was unlucky to be judged to be the offender in a flare-up and was sent to the sin-bin in the 11th minute.

At scrum half for the home team was former London Irish player, Kieran Campbell, who combined well with Paddy Wallace, seizing his chance at fly half in the absence of David Humphries through injury. Wallace tested Delon Armitage with a series of high balls but found the young full back in composed and counter-attacking mode.

As the half moved into its second quarter Irish were containing the Ulster threat. The visitor’s scrum was solid and behind it Barry Everitt and Mike Catt used a reliable service from Ben Willis to probe the Ulster defence. Despite this, the second score of the game, another penalty by Steinmetz, fell to the home team in the 26th minute when Irish were penalised for offside.

That score stirred Ulster who took the game to Irish down the middle of the pitch, driving with their forwards and then trying to spin the ball wide to the backs. Irish had to defend and did so capably as the opening half reached the interval with a score of 6-0.

Half-time saw both teams introduce a number of replacements, in Irish’s case nine changes were made.

Irish registered their first points of the game two minutes after the restart. Willis cleared the ball from a midfield breakdown just outside the 22. He found Shane Geraghty coming at speed, the young inside centre chipped the ball behind the oncoming defenders for Topsy Ojo to use his searing pace to score in the right corner. Ross Laidlaw’s attempted conversion from the touchline drifted just right of the upright.

Encouraged by the score the visitors lifted their game. The forwards fought for the ball in both set piece and open play. Yet again, Irish were penalised in the 46th minute and Steinmetz kicked his third penalty. Ulster launched a series of attacks and the Exiles defence was tested, A break by lively full back, Bryn Cunningam, was stopped just short of the try line.

A 53rd minute injury to Justin Bishop forced the return of Scott Staniforth to the left wing. He had the satisfaction of scoring Irish’s second try in the left corner six minutes later when he got on the end of a well judged kick through by Laidlaw. The latter kicked an exceptional conversion from the touchline to complete a score that gave Irish the lead for the first time in the match.

As the game entered its final quarter the visitors’ were playing confidently. Bob Casey and Academy player, Gary Johnson imposed themselves with the help of the rest of the tight five. Kieron Dawson, Paul Gustard and Juan Manuel Leguizamon were prominent in the loose and breakdown with the latter’s ball carrying a feature..

It was a break by Neal Hatley that led to Irish’s third try. He burst through midfield at speed, the ball was recycled to Dawson as the play moved right. He made crucial metres before offloading in the tackle to Topsy Ojo who had the strength and momentum to touch down in the right corner for a well worked try. Laidlaw had the frustration of seeing his difficult conversion bounce back off the right upright.

The game continued to be intensely combative to the end and Irish were to lose Leguizamon to the sin-bin in the 76th minute. In a testing final few minutes the Irish defence proved capable of snuffing out all that the home side could offer and so the score at the final whistle remained 9-17 to the visitors.

Scorers: Ulster: Penalty goals: Steinmetz 3 (4, 26, 47).
London Irish: Tries: Ojo 2 (42, 73), Staniforth (59; Conversion: Laidlaw.

Scoring sequence: 3-0, 6-0 (half-time) 6-5, 9-5, 9-12, 9-17.

Ulster: B Cunningham, J Topping (rep: J Bell, 48), A Trimble (rep: R Frost, 40), P Steinmetz, T Howe (rep: T Bowe, 48), P Wallace, K Campbell (rep: R Spee, 40), B Young, P Shields (rep: N Brady, 46), S Best (captain), J Harrison (rep: H Head, 69), M McCullough, C Feather, N Best, R Wilson (rep: N McMillan, 45).

London Irish: D Armitage, J Bishop (rep: S Staniforth, 53), S Staniforth (rep: J Storey, 40), M Catt (captain)(rep: S Geraghty, 40), T Ojo, B Everitt (rep: R Laidlaw, 40), B Willis (rep: C Mezger, 62), M Collins (rep: N Hatley, 40), A Flavin (rep: R Russell, 40), R Skuse (rep: R Hardwick, 40), B Casey, K Roche (rep: G Johnson, 40), P Gustard (sin-bin 11-21), D Danaher (rep: K Dawson, 40)(rep: D Danaher, 64-67), P Murphy (rep: J M Leguizamon, 40, sin- bin 76-80).

Referee: Mr Colin Stanley (USRFR)

London Irish: 36 Exeter Chiefs (at Sunbury): 16

Match Date: Fri 26 Aug 2005 Attendance: 1000

Young Exiles Outscore Chiefs by Six Tries to One
London Irish 36 Exeter Chiefs 16

Scorers. London Irish: Tries: Bishop (4 min), Collins (30), Laidlaw (47), Penney 2 (56, 58), Thorpe (80). Conversions: Laidlaw 3. Exeter: Try: Baxter (77). Conversion: Kingdom. Drop goal: Staniforth (39). Penalty goals: Kingdom: 2 (10, 18).

Scoring sequence (London Irish first): 7-0, 7-3, 7-6, 12-6, 12-9 (half-time) 19-9, 26-9, 31-9, 31-16, 36-16.

London Irish: T Ojo, J Storey, R Penney, S Geraghty, J Bishop (rep: C Gower, 52), R Laidlaw, P Hodgson (rep: C Mazger, 72), M Collins (rep: D Paice, 60), D Paice (rep: R Russell, 40), G Johnson, R Strudwick (captain), D Danaher, R Thorpe, P Murphy (rep: M Banahan, 68).

Exeter Chiefs: C Catling, A Murdoch, M Fanialofa, J Fanialofa, G Kingdom, A Staniforth, K Barrett (rep: I Wilson, 55), D Porte, S Blyth (captain), G Davis, T Roques, T Baxter.

Referee: Mr Martin Fox (RFU)

domenica inizia la Guinness Premiership: gli Exiles giocano contro i Leeds Tykes (dove giocano fra gli altri Gordon Bulloch e Roland De Marigny) a Twickenham (London Double Header al mitico stadio: London Wasps-Saracens e London Irish-Leeds Tykes)...

LONDON IRISH
vs
LEEDS TYKES
GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP
Sat 3rd September
KO 16.20
Twickenham



Team:
15 Delon Armitage
14 Scott Staniforth*
13 Rodd Penney
12 Mike Catt* (Captain)
11 Justin Bishop*
10 Barry Everitt
9   Ben Willis
1   Neal Hatley
2   Robbie Russell*
3   Rob Hardwick*
4   Bob Casey*
5   Kieran Roche
6   Olivier Magne*
7   Kieron Dawson*
8   Phil Murphy*
Replacements:
16 Michael Collins
17 Adrian Flavin
18 Richard Skuse
19 Ryan Strudwick
20 Juan Manuel Leguizamon*
21 Paul Hodgson
22 Shane Geraghty

www.atommedia.net/leedsrugby/leedstykes/Live_Match.htm

a questo link, sabato alle 4 e 20 (5 e 20 ora italiana) sarà possibile seguire in streaming la partita fra Leeds Tykes e London Irish che si disputa a Twickenham

sul Times di oggi esce una guida sulla Guinness Premiership

Bath


Coach: Michael Foley
Captain: Steve Borthwick
Stadium: Recreation Ground
In: David Bory (wing, Castres), Pieter Dixon (hooker, Stormers), Andy Dunne (fly half, Harlequins), Peter short (flanker, Narbonne), Michael Stephenson (wing, Newcastle)
Out: Robbie Fleck (centre, retired), Jonathan Humphreys (hooker, new Ospreys assistant), Geraint Lewis (flanker, Bristol)
Other players: Olly Barkley, Andy Dunne, Danny Grewcock
Last season: 4th
Pre-season:
Dragons - Bath 20 - 14
Launceston - Bath 10 - 56

Bristol


Coach: Richard Hill
Captain: Matt Salter
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
In: Mark Denney (centre, Castres), David Lemi (wing, Samoa), Tommy Hayes (fly half, Worcester), Geraint Lewis (flanker, Bath), Brian Lima (centre, Munster), Gareth Llewellyn (lock, Narbonne), Mark Regan (hooker, Leeds), Andy Reay (centre, Harlequins), Lee Robinson (wing, Plymouth Albion), Martin Rospide (prop, San Isidro,), Jacob Rauluni (scrumhalf, unnattached), Mariano Sambucetti (lock, Argentina), Dan Ward-Smith (no 8, Plymouth Albion), Roy Winters (flanker, Harlequins)
Out: Adam Billig (released), Jim Brownrigg (released), Owen Evans (released), Hentie Martens (released), Luke Nabaro (released), Ed Pearce (released), Mark Woodrow (released)
Other players: Manuel Contepomi, Brian Lima, Gareth Llewellyn, Bernardo Stortoni
Last season: promoted
Pre-season:
Coventry - Bristol 18-28
Bristol - Harlequins 14-40
Clifton - Bristol 24-46
Bristol - Cardiff Blues 24-22

Gloucester


Coach: Dean Ryan
Captain: Jake Boer
Stadium: Kingsholm
In: Patrice Collazo (prop, Toulouse), Quinton Davids (lock, Western Province), Mike Tindall (centre, Bath), Ludovic Mercier (fly half, Pau), Peter Richards (scrum half, Wasps), Rob Thirlby (wing, Penzance and Newlyn), Bryan Redpath (assistant coach, Sale)
Out: Andy Gomarsall (scrum half, Worcester), Dave Ellis (defence coach), Nigel Melville (Director of Rugby)
Other players: Mefin Davies, Mike Tindall, Phil Vickery
Last season: 6th
Pre-season:
Gloucester - Viadana 62-5
Gloucester - Leeds Tykes 31-19

Leeds Tykes


Coach: Phil Davies
Captain: Stuart Hooper
Stadium: Headingley
In: Gordon Bulloch (hooker, Glasgow), Roland De Marigny (full back, Italy), James Isaacson (prop, Newcastle), Chris Jones (centre, St Helens RL), Justin Marshall (scrum half, Canterbury), Roland Reid (flanker, London Irish), Kees Lensing (prop, Bulls), Daryl Powell (assistant coach, Leeds Rhinos)
Out: Duncan Hodge (fly half, Edinburgh), Matt Holt (prop, retired), Mark Regan (hooker, Bristol), Jon Callard (assistant coach, RFU Academy)
Other players: Iain Balshaw, Gordon Bulloch, Roland De Marigny, Justin Marshall, Andre Snyman
Last season: 8th
Pre-season:
Clermont Auvergne - Leeds Tykes 34-27
Gloucester - Leeds Tykes 31-19
Leeds Tykes - Edinburgh Gunners 12-7

Leicester Tigers


Coach: Pat Howard
Captain: Martin Corry
Stadium: Welford Road
In: Leo Cullen (lock, Leinster), Ian Humphreys (fly half, Belfast Harlequins), Shane Jennings (flanker, Leinster), Alex Moreno (prop, Brive), Ian Nimmo (lock, Heriot's)
Out: Neil Back (retired, now assistant coach), Martin Johnson (retired)
Other players: Leo Cullen, Daryl Gibson, Ben Kay, Lewis Moody, Geordan Murphy, Graham Rowntree, Ollie Smith, Alex Moreno
Last season: lost in playoff final
Pre-season:
Connacht - Leicester Tigers 22-17
Leicester Tigers - Munster 50-19

London Irish


Coach: Toby Booth
Captain: Ryan Strudwick
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
In: Danie Coetzee (hooker, Blue Bulls), Michael Collins (prop, Waikato), Riki Flutey (fly half, Wellington), Paul Franze (Penrith Panthers RL), Juan Manuel Leguizamon (no 8, San Isidro), Olivier Magne (flanker, Clermont-Ferrand), Ben Willis (scrum half, Beziers), James Storey (centre), Toby Booth (forwards coach), Brian Smith (now Director of Rugby)
Out: Geoff Appleford (centre, Northampton), Roland Reid (flanker, Leeds), Gary Gold (head coach, Western Province)
Other players: Justin Bishop, Bob Casey, Mike Catt, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Olivier Magne
Last season: 11th
Pre-season:
Harlequins - London Irish 14-28
Ulster - London Irish 9-17
London Irish - Exeter Chiefs 36-16

London Wasps


Coach: Shaun Edwards
Captain: Lawrence Dallaglio
Stadium: Causeway Stadium
In: Peter Bracken (prop, Connacht), Eoin Reddan (scrum half), Jeremy Staunton (fly half/full back, Harlequins), Raphael Ibanez (hooker, Saracens), Leon Holden (technical coach, NZ), Ian McGeechan (Director of Rugby, SRU)
Out: Trevor Leota (hooker), Peter Richards (scrum half, Gloucester), Will Green (prop, Leinster), Craig Dowd (retired, now forwards coach), Warran Gatland (Director of Rugby, Waikato)

Other players: Matt Dawson, Raphael Ibanez, Josh Lewsey, Jonny O'Connor, Tom Voyce, Joe Worsley
Last season: champions
Pre-season:
Newbury - London Wasps 12-59
Neath-Swansea Ospreys - London Wasps 10-18

Newcastle Falcons


Coach: Ross Nesdale
Captain: Ian Peel/Jonny Wilkinson/Colin Charvis
Stadium: Kingston Park
In: Anthony Elliott (wing, Rotherham), Owen Finnegan (flanker, ACT Brumbies), James Hoyle (wing/centre, Sale), Robbie Morris (prop, Northampton), Andy Perry (lock, Plymouth Albion), Tino Paoletti (prop, Plymouth Albion)
Out: Michael Stephenson (wing, Bath), Epi Taione (wing/centre/flanker, Sale), Craig Hamilton (lock, Glasgow), Semo Sititi (No 8, Borders), Galo Alvarez Quinones (prop, released)
Other players: Matthew Burke, Colin Charvis, Jamie Noon, Tino Paoletti, Matthew Tait, Jonny Wilkinson
Last season: 7th
Pre-season:
Newcastle Falcons - Glasgow Warriors 32-11

Northampton Saints


Coach: Paul Grayson
Captain: Steve Thompson/Bruce Reihana
Stadium: Franklin's Gardens
In: Geoff Appleford (centre, London Irish), Pat Barnard (prop, Stormers), Daniel Browne (no 8, Grenoble), Sam Harding (flanker, Canterbury), Sean Lamont (wing, Glasgow), Ben Lewitt (flanker, Bedford), Seamus Mallon (centre, Ulster), Colin Noon (prop, Leicester), James Percival (lock, Worcester), David Quinlan (centre, Leinster), Carlos Spencer (fly half, Auckland), Luke Harbut (prop, trial)
Out: Shane Drahm (fly half, Worcester), Ed O'Donoghue (flanker, Worcester), Marc Stcherbina (centre, Cardiff Blues), Corne Krige (flanker, retired)
Other players: Ben Cohen, Sean Lamont, Tom Smith, Carlos Spencer, Steve Thompson
Last season: 10th
Pre-season:
Treviso - Northampton Saints 22-5
Munster - Northampton Saints 20-18
Leinster - Northampton Saints 16-18

Sale Sharks


Coach: Kingsley Jones
Captain: Jason Robinson
Stadium: Edgeley Park
In: Valentin Courrent (scrum half, Brive), Mark Taylor (centre, Llanelli Scarlets), Epi Taione (centre/wing/flanker, Newcastle), Daniel Larrachea (fly half, Bayonne), Lionel Faure (prop, Section Pauloise), Nathan Bonner-Evans (no 8, Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Elvis Seveali'i (centre/wing, Neath-Swansea Ospreys), Nick Wakley (full back, Doncaster)
Out: Mike Hercus (fly half, Llanelli Scarlets), Chris Rhys-Jones (centre, St Helens RL), Pierre Caillet (second/back row, Beziers), Josh Taumalolo (centre/full back, Coventry), James Hoyle (centre, Newcastle), Phil Davies (back row, Bayonne), Bryan Redpath (retired, assistant coach, Gloucester)
Other players: Sebastien Bruno, Sebastien Chabal, Mark Cueto, Charlie Hodgson, Mark Taylor, Andy Titterel, Jason White
Last season: 3rd
Pre-season:
Edinburgh Gunners - Sale Sharks 24-25
Sale Sharks - Doncaster 59-0

Saracens


Coach: Steve Diamond
Captain: Hugh Vyvyan
Stadium: Vicarage Road
In: Andy Farrell (Wigan RL), Shane Byrne (hooker, Leinster), Nnamdi Obi (wing, Henley), Billy O'Driscoll (centre, Henley)
Out: Raphael Ibanez (hooker, Wasps)
Other players: Shane Byrne, Thomas Castaignede, Richard Hill
Last season: 5th

Worcester Warriors


Coach: Anthony Eddy
Captain: Pat Sanderson
Stadium: Sixways
In: Shane Drahm (fly half, Northampton), Chris Fortey (hooker, Gloucester), Andy Gomarsall (scrumhalf, Gloucester), Kai Horstmann (no.8, Harlequins), Nicolas Le Roux (full back, Brive), Ed O'Donoghue (lock/flanker, Northampton), Jonny Tuamoheloa (flanker, Newbury), Mark Tucker (centre/wing, Northampton), Emiliano Bergamaschi (prop), Uche Oduoza (wing)
Out: Tommy Hayes (fly half, Bristol), James Percival (lock, Northampton), Clive Stuart-Smith (scrum half, Llanelli Scarlets), Neil Lyman (prop, retired), Neil Cole (released), Ben Daly (released), Mark Gabey (released), Chris Hall (released), Jon Higgins (released), Brad Macleod-Henderson (released), Neil Mason (released), Daren O'Leary (released), Duncan Roke (released), Giscard Pieters (released), Paul Sampson (released)
Other players: Andy Gomarsall, Ben Hinshelwood, Thomas Lombard
LAst season: 9th
Pre-season:
Llanelli Scarlets - Worcester Warriors 20-24
Worcester Warriors - Treviso 26-7


prima giornata:
Venerdì 2 Settembre
Sale Sharks - Newcastle Falcons (ore 20:00)

Sabato 3 Settembre
London Wasps – Saracens (ore 14:00)
Leicester Tigers -Northampton Saints (ore 15:00)
Leeds Tykes - London Irish (ore 160)

Domenica 4 Settembre
Bristol Rugby - Bath Rugby (ore 13:00) SKY
Worcester Warriors - Gloucester Rugby (ore 15:00) SKY

le due partite di domenica potranno esser viste anche in italia su sky sport due, a partire dalle 14 di domenica.

p.s. cliccando sui nomi delle squadre si accede ai siti ufficiali

Leeds Tykes: 15. Iain Balshaw 14. Andre Snyman 13. Chris Jones 12. Roland De Marigny 11. Tom Biggs 10. Gordon Ross 9. Justin Marshall 1. James Isaacson 2. Gordon Bulloch 3. Gavin Kerr 4. Stuart Hooper 5. Tom Palmer 6. Scott Morgan 7. Richard Parks 8. Jon Dunbar

Replacements: 16. Michael Cusack 17. Rob Rawlinson 18. Chris Murphy 19. Nathan Thomas 20. Danny Care 21. Tim Stimpson 22. Dave Doherty

London Irish: 15. Delon Armitage 14. Scott Staniforth 13. Rodd Penney 12. Mike Catt 11. Justin Bishop 10. Barry Everitt 9. Ben Willis 1. Neal Hatley 2. Robbie Russell 3. Rob Hardwick 4. Bob Casey 5. Kieran Roche 6. Olivier Magne 7. Kieron Dawson 8. Phil Murphy

Replacements: 16. Michael Collins 17. Adrian Flavin 18. Richard Skuse 19. Ryan Strudwick 20. Juan Manuel Leguizamon 21. Paul Hodgson 22. Shane Geraghty


8 mins Try Tom Biggs 5-0
18 mins Penalty kick Barry Everitt 5-3
24 mins Penalty kick Gordon Ross 8-3
36 mins Try Rodd Penney 8-8
36 mins Conversion Barry Everitt 8-10
40 mins Penalty kick Gordon Ross 11-10
40 mins Try Delon Armitage 11-15
40 mins Conversion Barry Everitt 11-17

HALF TIME 11-17

55 mins Try Justin Bishop 11-22
60 mins Yellow Card Michael Collins (LI)
80 mins Try Kieron Dawson 11-27

Guinness A League
London Irish 34 Saracens 33

Scorers: London Irish: Tries: Banahan (3min), Ojo 2 (37, 55), Laidlaw 2 (40+2, 51); Conversions: Laidlaw 3. Penalty Goals: Mahoney (78). Saracens: Tries: O’Driscoll (22), Marsh (33), Little (45); Conversions: Russell 3. Penalty Goals: Russell 4 (15, 57, 64, 76).

Scoring sequence: (London Irish first) 5-0, 5-3, 5-10, 5-17, 12-17, 19-17 (half-time) 19-24, 26-24, 31-24, 31-27, 31-30, 31-33, 34-33.

London Irish: T Ojo, C Gower, J Storey (sin-bin 57-67), T Humphries, E Palladino (rep: D Law, 64), R Laidlaw (rep: R Mahoney, 77), D Edwards (rep: C Mezger, 60), A Halsey (rep: C Gardiner, 60), D Paice (rep: J Campbell, 60), T Warren, G Johnson, M Banahan (rep: R Davies, 73), R Thorpe, D Danaher (rep: M Donnolly, 73), P Gustard (captain).

Saracens: N Little (captain)(sin-bin 77-80), O Nnamdi, J Matthais (rep: A Gelman, 60), A Powell, B O’Driscoll, B J Russell (rep: C Wilson, 76), M Raulini, L Marsh (rep: S Gibbs, 54), A kyriacou, B Broster, A Ayling, E Amapakabo, S Armitage, T Gill, D Barrell.

Referee: Mr Dean Richards.

LONDON IRISH
vs
WORCESTER WARRIORS
GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP

Sun 11th September
KO 15.00
Madejski Stadium


Team:
15 Delon Armitage
14 Scott Staniforth*
13 Rodd Penney
12 Mike Catt* (Captain)
11 Justin Bishop*
10 Barry Everitt
9 Ben Willis
1 Neal Hatley
2 Robbie Russell*
3 Rob Hardwick*
4 Bob Casey*
5 Kieran Roche
6 Olivier Magne*
7 Kieron Dawson*
8 Phil Murphy*

Replacements:
16 Michael Collins
17 Adrian Flavin
18 Richard Skuse
19 Ryan Strudwick
20 Paul Gustard
21 Paul Hodgson
22 Shane Geraghty
* denotes International

London Irish - Worcester Warriors 15-20

London Irish: 15 Delon Armitage 14 Scott Staniforth 13 Rodd Penney 12 Mike Catt (C) 11 Justin Bishop 10 Barry Everitt 9 Ben Willis 1 Neal Hatley 2 Robbie Russell 3 Rob Hardwick 4 Bob Casey 5 Kieran Roche 6 Olivier Magne 7 Kieron Dawson 8 Phil Murphy (replacements: Michael Collins, Adrian Flavin, Richard Skuse, Ryan Strudwick, Paul Gustard, Paul Hodgson, Shane Gerarthy)
Worcester Warriors: 15 Thinus Delport 14 Jonny Hylton 13 Dale Rasmussen 12 Thomas Lombard 11 Ben Hinshelwood 10 James Brown 9 Andy Gomarsall 1 Tony Windo 2 Andre Van Niekerk 3 Chris Horsman 4 Phil Murphy 5 Craig Gillies 6 Siaosi Vaili 7 Pat Sanderson 8 Drew Hickey (replacements: Mike MacDonald, Chris Fortey, Tim Collier, Kal Horstmann, Matt Powell, Shane Drahm, Mark Tucker)

10 mins Try Scott Staniforth 5-0
10 mins Conversion Barry Everitt 7-0
28 mins Try Tony Windo 7-5
28 mins Conversion Shane Drahm 7-7
30 mins Try Scott Staniforth 12-7
34 mins Drop kick Shane Drahm 12-10
40 mins Penalty kick Barry Everitt 15-10

HALF TIME: 15-10

47 mins Yellow Card Chris Horsman
55 mins Yellow Card Delon Armitage
77 mins Penalty Try for Worcester Warriors 15-15
77 mins Conversion Shane Drahm 15-17
80 mins Drop kick Shane Drahm 15-20
80 mins Yellow Card Pat Sanderson


da sottolineare le due mete dell'ala Scott Staniforth (3 caps per la nazionale australiana)

Sale Sharks - London Irish 29-15

Sale Sharks: D Larrechea (rep: O Ripol, 52), M Cueto, M Taylor (R Todd, 78), E Seveali’i, J Robinson, C Hodgson, V Courrent (rep: R Wigglesworth, 78), A Sheridan, S Bruno, S Turner (B Stewart, 60), C Jones, D Schofield (rep: C Day, 71), J White (rep: I F Lobbe, 76), M Lund (A Titterell, 64), S Chabal.

London Irish: D Armitage, S Staniforth, R Penney, M Catt (captain)(rep: S Geraghty, 73), J Bishop, B Everitt, P Hodgson (rep: B Willis, 62), N Hatley (M Collins, 67), A Flavin (rep: D Paice, 62), R Skuse (rep: R Hardwick, 40), R Strudwick, K Roche (rep: N Kennedy, 71), O Magne (rep: P Gustard, 44), K Dawson, P Murphy.

6 mins Try Jason Robinson 5-0
6 mins Conversion Charlie Hodgson 7-0
20 mins Penalty Barry Everitt 7-3
39 mins Penalty Charlie Hodgson 10-3

HALF TIME: 10-3

48 mins Try Daniel Larrechea 15-3
63 mins Try Sebastien Chabal 20-3
63 mins Conversion Charlie Hodgson 22-3
77 mins Try Mark Cueto 27-3
77 mins Conversion Charlie Hodgson 29-3

record per Mark Cueto: è il primo giocatore a fare meta consecutivamente in sette partite di Premiership

London Irish - Bristol 24-22

London Irish: D Armitage, S Staniforth (rep: J Storey, 13), R Penney, M Catt (captain)(rep: P Franze, 62), J Bishop, B Everitt, P Hodgson (rep: B Willis, 73), N Hatley (rep: R Hardwick, 76), A Flavin (rep: D Paice, 73), R Hardwick (rep: M Collins, 63), B Casey, K Roche (rep: R Strudwick, 73), O Magne (sin-bin: 52-62), K Dawson, P Murphy (rep: P Gustard, 56).

Bristol: B Stortoni, L Robinson (rep: R Higgit, 50), B Lima, M Contepomi, V Going (rep: D Gray, 83), J Strange, J Rauluni, D Hilton, S Nelson, D Crompton, M Sambucetti, G Llewellyn, M Salter (captain), C Short (rep: D Ward-Smith, 40), G Lewis.

4 mins Penalty Barry Everitt 3-0
6 mins Penalty Jason Strange 3-3
10 mins Penalty Jason Strange 3-6
17 mins Drop Barry Everitt 6-6
28 mins Try Paul Hodgson 11-6
33 mins Try Paul Hodgson 16-6
33 mins Conversion Barry Everitt 18-6
39 mins Penalty Jason Strange 18-9
40+2 mins Penalty Barry Everitt 21-9

HALF TIME 21-9

42 mins Penalty Jason Strange 21-12
56 mins Penalty Jason Strange 21-15
63 mins Penalty Barry Everitt 24-15
72 mins Try Brian Lima 24-20
72 mins Conversion Jason Strange 24-22

A record 1,500 points for Everitt

Barry Everitt (29) has become the first player in the professional era to score more than 1,500 points for London Irish.

Going into last Saturday's game with Bristol Rugby on 1,497 points, the three points from the penalty Barry kicked in the fourth minute brought him to the club record 1,500 points mark in all competitions! It is worth noting that 50 points have come from tries!

Barry's consistency with his boot has ensured that season in, season out he always has a success rate above 80 per cent. He still holds the record for the most points scored in the Premiership in a season – 340 in 2001-02.

Commenting on Barry's record London Irish's Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: "It's a remarkable achievement but not surprising as Barry is a rare talent. He has been one of the most consistent kickers in Europe for a long time now. His accuracy with drop goals and place kicks is second to none, in fact a couple of years back he enjoyed a goal kicking strike rate of almost 90 per cent. Not only is he a fine kicker, he can also run a game very well. We are lucky to have him at the club".


Barry said "Little did I realise when I started playing for London Irish under Dick Best on a cold, wet evening at Sunbury in autumn 2000 that I would be kicking my 1,500th point for the club six seasons later in the wonderful surroundings of Madejski Stadium. I have been very fortunate to play for a great club with special coaches and players that have helped me enormously to reach this record."

The Ireland A player joined London Irish in July 2000 and has played 132 games for the club in all competitions.

One That Got Away
There will be few teams this season that will destroy the Premiership Champion’s lineout the way London Irish did this afternoon and come out on the wrong end of the result. In the first half Bob Casey and Nick Kennedy reigned supreme, and in the second Ryan Strudwick partnered Kennedy to equally telling effect.

Irish used the possession they won to create chances but were undone by the boot of Mark Van Gisbergen and Alex King. The latter replaced James Brooks at fly half for Wasps in the 72nd minute and just seven minutes later kicked a well struck dropped goal from 30 metres to regain the lead for the visitors. Van Gisbergen added a further penalty in injury time to add a little gloss to their score.

Prior to the exciting finale the game had been full of incident; in fact an incident that was to impact on the game happened hours before kick-off. Barry Everitt turned his ankle in kicking practice during the morning. The ankle appeared to have settled, however during the pre-match warm-up it went again forcing the fly-half to withdraw. This meant an earlier than expected debut for Riki Flutey who just arrived from New Zealand on Monday. The Maori turned in an exceptional performance in the circumstances that deservedly earned him the London Irish “Man of the Match” award.

The fly half’s contribution was matched by a number of others on the home team. Shane Geraghty in his first home start of the season contributed to a lively back line and capped his afternoon with Irish’s opening try. He was unlucky to be sin-binned just before half-time. In the pack David Paice showed that he can compete with the best at hooker, Declan Danaher tackled tirelessly throughout and Juan Manuel Leguizamon at No 8 showed promise of exciting things to come.

Irish got off to the best possible start when Geraghty waltzed through a series of gaps in the Wasps defence to score his team’s first try in the 8th minute. Flutey converted and added a penalty three minutes later to give the Exiles a temporary lead of 10-0.

Mark Van Gisbergen, who has just been selected in the England squad for the autumn internationals, kicked the first of his five penalties in the 14th minute. The former New Zealander and Irish’s recent Maori arrival were to dominate the rest of the scoring in the first half with the Wasps full back out-scoring Irish’s fly half by three more penalties to one.

In a half full of incident and hard tackling Irish gave as good as they received and could consider themselves unlucky not to have added another try in the 27th minute when Scott Staniforth was called back for a knock on when clean through. The Australian made a try-saving tackle on Tom Voyce just before half-time when the Wasps player intercepted a loose pass by Rob Hardwick.

It was during this period of visitors’ pressure that Geraghty was sin-binned for handling in the ruck.

The game was just in first half injury time when Justin Bishop had to leave the pitch with a damaged finger. He was replaced by another of Irish’s Academy stars Topsy Ojo four minutes before Mr Rowden blew for half-time with the score at 16-12 to Irish.

Wasps opened the scoring in second half in the 47th minute when scrum half Eoin Reddan darted over from the back of a scrum five metres from the Irish line. Although Van Gisbergen missed the conversion the five points were enough to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the game.

Two minutes later Riki Flutey restored the lead to the home side with a penalty to set up an exciting passage of play. Wasps were to register the next score when Jonny O’Connor capitalised on a break by Ayoola Erinle and raced through to touch down right of the posts for his team’s second try.

Irish continued to compete ferociously at the breakdown and unsettled the Champions. Flutey’s influence on the game grew with a display of passing off either hand that augurs well for the future. Delon Armitage and Topsy Ojo combined on a number of occasions to threaten the visitors and was rewarded in the 71st minute when Ojo capitalised on a clever cross kick by the Irish full back to score a try. Flutey converted to give Irish a 26-24 lead with nine minutes of normal time remaining.

That was when Alex King arrived on the scene to such telling effect. His drop goal and Van Gisbergen’s penalty goal securing a lucky win for the visitors.

Speaking after the game London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “I am very pleased with the efforts of the players. We did enough to win, all of us are very disappointed to come up short. We selected a team that was capable of winning the game and we played to win, but it was not to be today.”

London Irish - London Wasps 26-30

London Irish
Michael Collins (Neal Hatley ,67 mins), David Paice, Rob Hardwick, Bob Casey (Ryan Strudwick ,40 mins), Nick Kennedy, Paul Gustard, Declan Danaher, Juan Manuel Leguizamon (Phil Murphy ,67 mins), Paul Hodgson, Riki Flutey, Justin Bishop (Topsy Ojo ,42 mins), Shane Geraghty, Rodd Penney, Scott Staniforth, Delon Armitage.

METE
LI: 1 Shane Geraghty (C), 1 Topsy Ojo (A)
LW: 1 Eoin Reddan (MM), 1 Jonny O'Connor (3L)

TRASFORMAZIONI
LI: 2 Riki Flutey (MA)
LW: 1 MArk Van Gisbergen (E)

PUNIZIONI
LI: 4 Riki Flutey
LW: 5 Mark Van Gisbergen

DROP
LW: 1 Alex King (MA)

9 ottobre
Saracens 32 London Irish 13

6 mins Try Sorrell 5-0
6 mins Conversion Jackson 7-0
11 mins Try Bailey 12-0
11 mins Conversion Jackson 14-0
13 mins Penalty Flutey 14-3
15 mins Penalty Jackson 17-3
29 mins Try Bracken 22-3

half time: 22-3

43 Penalty Flutey 22-6
56 Try Penney 22-11
56 Conversion Flutey 22-13
60 Penalty Jackson 25-13
70 Try Skirving 30-13
70 Conversion Jackson 32-13

Saracens: D Scarborough, B J Russell, T Castaignede (rep: A Powell, 77), K Sorrell, P Bailey, G Jackson, K Bracken (rep: A Dickens, 56), K Yates, M Cairns (rep: S Byrne, 68), C Visagie (rep: A Liffchak, 70), S Raiwaluni (rep: K Chesney, 62), I Fullarton, H Vyvyan (captain), A Sanderson (rep: T Randell, 40), B Skirving.

London Irish: D Armitage, S Staniforth, R Penney, S Geraghty (rep: M Catt, 73), J Bishop, R Flutey, B Willis, N Hatley, D Paice (rep: A Flavin, 40), R Hardwick (rep: M Collins, 40), B Casey (captain)(rep: R Strudwick, 56), P Gustard (rep: K Dawson, 70), D Danaher, J M Leguizamon.

tifosi degli Exiles


Irish pronti per l'"Italian Job" di Challenge Cup contro il GrAN Parma


desidero possedere questo bicchiere da pinta!!!!

Quando è esattamente il ritorno a Parma Billi?

il ritorno a Parma è sabato 14 gennaio...io ci vado! organizziamo un miniraduno?

Ci sto dentro alla grande Billi!!!
E poi da quelle parti, correggetemi se sbaglio, si mangia e si beve* alla grande...


*fusti di birra del terzo tempo esclusi... si sa che i terzi tempi sono sempre e comunque innaffiati di ottima birra!