Booth content with win

Cup qualification was minimum says Exiles coach

Last updated: 25th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Booth content with win

Booth: 'Minimum'

We have achieved two of those three objectives. What are you in this game for? You are in this game not to come second or third, you are in it to win something.

Toby Booth
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London Irish Toby Booth has said that qualification to next season's Heineken Cup was the least he expected to achieve this season.

The Exiles secured third place and Guinness Premiership play-off place with their bonus-point 32-15 victory over Worcester on Saturday.

Following the match Booth insisted that anything less would have been 'unjust'.

"We achieved our minimum standard by qualifying for the Heineken Cup," he said.

"Our three goals were simple. They were try and win the European Challenge Cup, be in the top six at Christmas and the top four at the end.

"So we have achieved two of those three objectives. What are you in this game for?

"You are in this game not to come second or third, you are in it to win something.

Challenge

"There is a massive challenge before we get there but we are still in with a chance and that's important.

"The points scored and against column is, I truly believe, the reason why we are here.

"We scored more points than anyone and conceded more and got more bonus points than anyone.

"I think it would have been unjust if we had not got in there and I just reminded the players of the fact that they have earned their shot."

However, Booth believes that Quins will be favourites to reach the Premiership final.

"Honours are even between us," he added. "And I've heard they may move the game to Twickenham, which will be great as we can bring 20,000 fans which will be fantastic.

"That would be quite nice with it being a London derby.

Disappointed

"We have played them in double-headers before with 50,000 people watching so, whichever way it will be, it will be tough, but I'm just pleased we have a ticket in the lottery at the moment."

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock praised his side, which had undergone a number of changes due to injuries.

"At the end of the game the whole back line were either academy players or former academy players," he said.

"There were a few veterans in the front row but it was great that the rest were all young bucks.

"It was great to see someone like George Crook scoring a try at the end. It was a great moment for him.

"Obviously we are disappointed to lose but London Irish are a very good team.

"We let our guard down in the second half but, at 10-10 at half-time, I was pleased."

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