London Irish Rugby Team

C'è una squadra che milita nella premier league inglese di rugby che si chiama "London Irish".

Chi ne sa qualcosa?

Il loro sito è il seguente: www.london-irish.com/default.ink

Ne abbiamo parlato da qualche parte in termini di... abbigliamento

Per ora è venuto solo fuori che fanno delle maglie stupende e che non perdono colore nel tempo (testate dal sottoscritto, da fergus e da scottishflag)

Io so solo che militano nella premiership inglese di rugby, non sempre con eccellenti risultati e che, ovviamente, sono parecchio seguiti dagli irlandesi che vivono in UK

io sono iscritto al "Blarney" newsletter che mi arriva periodicamente e che tratta della squadra e delle sue vicissitudini in campionato nonché della nazionale Irlandese

A quanto letto ultimamente non stanno inanellando grandi risultati ma la situazione in classifica non è delle peggiori. Quello che è vero è che in Inghilterra quella dei London Irish è la squadra più affascinante e con più seguito!

E come ha giutamente ricordato Moris... hanno indosso delle magliette memorabili sotto ogni punto di vista!

[Modificato da scottishflag 14/03/2005 11.02]

Scorers: London Irish: Tries: Penney (22), Ojo (38); Conversions: Laidlaw 2. Penalty goals: Laidlaw 4 (2, 16, 47, 79). Gloucester: Penalty goals: Teague 3 (9, 20, 42).

Scoring Sequence: 3-0, 3-3, 6-3, 6-6, 13-6, 20-6 (half-time) 20-9, 23-9, 26-9.

London Irish: A Frost; T Ojo; R Penney; N Mordt (captain)(rep: D Coughlan, 40); N Whitworth; R Laidlaw; K Barrett; J Campbell; D Paice (rep: T Wells, 40); 3. R Skuse (rep: R Cripps, 65); G Johnson; K Roche; R Thorpe; D Danaher (rep: M Haslett, 55); P Murphy (rep: J Grimes, 40).

Gloucester: O Morgan; M Foster; J Whittingham; R Teague; J Bailey; S Amor (captain); N Runciman (rep: D Tuohey, 67); C Bezendeinbahouy; R Elloway (rep: N Curnier, 56); T Sigley; T Skelding; J Penglebury; D Miller (rep: T Jarvis, 70); J Merriman (rep: T Rawlins, 56); L Narraway.

Referee: Mr R Phillips (RFU)

Attendance: 300

Visto che questo è il mio primo messaggio ( ) vi sauto tutti quanti!

Io gioco a rugby ma purtroppo le informazioni che posso fornivi sono solamente le seguenti:

1- (se non ricordo male) che alcuni anni fa (credo 3) i London Irish vinsero la coppa di lega inglese
2- il nome è dovuto ai fondatori del club i quali furono tutti quanti degli emigranti irlandesi
3- Le maglie sono della Canterbury nota marca di prodotti per il rugby.

Un saluto a tutti Ado

adoratore, dove giochi?

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Scritto da: AdoratoredelSole 11/05/2005 9.51

Un saluto a tutti Ado

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AIUTO!!!
C'è un lumezzanese tra di noi!!!

Fate attenzione!!!

(Dev'essere anche grosso, visto che gioca a Rugby!)

[Modificato da Maratona70 11/05/2005 17.17]

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Scritto da: billingham 11/05/2005 12.53
adoratore, dove giochi?

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"Gioco" nella squadra del mio paese che è, come ha preannunciato maratona, il Lumezzane.
Serie B girone A

Ps: Mitico il motto degli aquilani. :smilef

PS: Contrariamente a quanto si potrebbe pensare, non sono grosso.

[Modificato da AdoratoredelSole 11/05/2005 17.45]

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Scritto da: AdoratoredelSole 11/05/2005 17.16


"Gioco" nella squadra del mio paese che è, come ha preannunciato maratona, il Lumezzane.
Serie B girone A

Ps: Mitico il motto degli aquilani. :smilef

PS: Contrariamente a quanto si potrebbe pensare, non sono grosso.

[Modificato da AdoratoredelSole 11/05/2005 17.45]

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maddai? dovresti conoscere un mio "amico" (oddio l'ho visto una volta e financo di sfuggita), Daris si chiama...se si, digli che lo saluta Billingham ;)

io gioco a Tradate, serie C girone 3...oddio...gioco...per ora mi alleno...che ruolo fai?

Certo che conosco Daris!
Quest'anno è stato anche il nostro capitano!
Domani gli riferirò sicuramente che lo saluti.
Io invece "gioco" ala ma è più il tempo che passo in panca che sul terreno di gioco.

OT
PS: Scrivi anche su rugby.it ?

[Modificato da AdoratoredelSole 12/05/2005 8.32]

certo, sono Billingham anche su quel sito...per quello lo conoschicchio...cazzo, capitano? non credevo tanto!\\beh, fagli i miei saluti...

fiooi...anch'io ora ho un capo di abbigliamento targato London Irish...una polo che mi è stata regalata per il mio compleanno...mi unisco al club di Moris, Fergus e Scottishflag...facciamo una squadra? gli Italian London Irish?

pare che i London Irish abbiano offerto un bel contratto a Salvatore Perugini, pilone del Calvisano (campione d'italia) e della nazionale italiana (anche se pare abbia rinunciato alla convocazione per il tour in argentina)...

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Scritto da: billingham 25/05/2005 16.40
facciamo una squadra? gli Italian London Irish?

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con le gambe sotto al tavolo, imbattibili

intanto colpo di mercato , preso olivier Magne

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Scritto da: fergus 06/06/2005 15.41


con le gambe sotto al tavolo, imbattibili

intanto colpo di mercato , preso olivier Magne

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minchia magne han preso? paura!

quando c'è Leicester - London Irish? vado troppo a vederla!

Two talented running backs have joined London Irish as the summer signings continue.  Powerful centre James Storey previously with Munster and The Ospreys and winger Dominic Feau'nati, previously with Manu Samoa and St Helens rugby league club, will join recent new signings Olivier Magne, Danie Coetzee and Riki Flutey as the Exiles continue to attract quality players to the club.


James Storey (28) 
Date of Birth: 26th November 1976
Former Club: Munster
Height: 1m 91cms (6' 3")
Weight: 91kgs (14st 5lbs)
International Caps: -

Dominic Feau'nati (26)
Date of Birth: 14th June 1978
Former Club: Leigh Centurions
Height: 1m 85cms (6' 1")
Weight10kgs (17st 5lbs)
International Caps: 4 (Samoa)

questo l'ho visto da poco, mi sono iscritto anch'io al Blarney

Poule 1: Viadana (ITA), Narbonne (FRA), Northampton (ENG), Bristol (ENG)
Poule 2: Agen (FRA), London Irish (ENG), Parme (ITA), Pau (FRA)
Poule 3: Gloucester (ENG), Bayonne (FRA), Toulon (FRA), Bucarest (ROU)
Poule 4: The Borders (ECO), Brive (FRA), Newcastle (ENG), L'Aquila (ITA)
Poule 5: Connacht (IRL), Montpellier (FRA), Worcester (ENG), Catane (ITA)

Calendrier :
1re journée: 21 au 23 octobre
2e journée: 28 au 30 octobre
3e journée: 9 au 11 décembre
4e journée: 16 au 18 décembre
5e journée: 13 au 15 janvier
6e journée: 20 au 22 janvier
Quarts de finale: 1er et 2 avril
Demi-finales: 22 et 23 avril
Finale: 20 ou 21 mai.


andiamo a vederla Parma-London Irish? Ferg, Scot, Moris?

One of the brightest young stars of Argentine rugby, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, has joined London Irish.
 
The 22 year old No 8 starred in the Pumas draw with the British and Irish Lions in the pre-tour match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 24th May and has just played in the Churchill Cup tournament in Canada.

Juan Manuel, who joins from the San Isidro Club, just north of Buenos Aires, is the latest high profile player to sign for the Exiles in recent weeks. Other signings have included Olivier Magne, Danie Coetzee, Michael Collins, Riki Flutey, BenWillis and James Storey.

"Having signalled our intention of changing our style of play with the signing of Olivier Magne, I am pleased that we have been able to secure the services of one of the most exciting and talented, young No 8s in world rugby to add to our back row resources," said Brian Smith, Director of Rugby at London Irish. "Juan Manuel joins our experienced, back row specialists - Kieron Dawson, Declan Danaher, Paul Gustard, Phil Murphy and Olivier Magne. I have no doubt that he will benefit from playing with them and contribute enormously to our pack."

Player Facts: Juan Manuel Leguizamon
Club: San Isidro Club (Buenos Aires)
Date of birth: 6th June 1983
Height: 1.90m (6' 3")
Weight: 102kg (16st 1lb)
International caps: 3

cazz...bastardo, mi hai anticipato sul tempo, volevo dirlo io di Leguizamon...ferg, direi che la notizia ti dovrebbe far contento, da ammiratore quale sei del rugby pumas...o sbaglio?

io sono contentissimo...anche perchè ho nel mirino Parma - London Irish e Leicester Tigers - London Irish, e la prospettiva di vedere Leguizamon e Magne mi ispira parecchio

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Scritto da: billingham 30/06/2005 18.25
cazz...bastardo, mi hai anticipato sul tempo, volevo dirlo io di Leguizamon...ferg, direi che la notizia ti dovrebbe far contento, da ammiratore quale sei del rugby pumas...o sbaglio?

io sono contentissimo...anche perchè ho nel mirino Parma - London Irish e Leicester Tigers - London Irish, e la prospettiva di vedere Leguizamon e Magne mi ispira parecchio

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allora metà gennaio a Parma.....
non sarebbe male

io forse l'8 gennaio vado a vedere London Irish - Leicester...

Squad for Harlequins Game


London Irish makes the short journey down the A316 to the Twickenham Stoop for tomorrow evening's pre-season friendly with NEC Harlequins with a thirty-six man squad for the first of three pre-season friendly matches.


The game, which kicks-off at 7.45pm and will be played in three periods of thirty minutes each, will provide a first opportunity to see the Exiles' new look squad in action. All bar one of the summer signings that have arrived to date will take part in the game which will be refereed by Mr Chris White (RFU). Spectators will also see players from the London Irish Academy in action during the game.


The starting XV and replacements will be as follows: 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: 16. Doug Wheatley; 17. Tom Warren; 18. Matthew Banahan; 19. Richard Thorpe; 20. Paul Hodgson; 21. Matt Humphries.


John Holtby, formerly of Leicester Tigers, has been signed on a short term trial. Players missing from the squad through injury are James Grimes, Adam Halsey, Michael Horak, Nick Kennedy, Nils Mordt, Rodd Penney, Robbie Russell, James Storey and Dominic Shabbo

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)...