Amlin Challenge Cup: Freddie Burns helps Gloucester see off London Irish

Last updated: 8th December 2012  

Amlin Challenge Cup: Freddie Burns helps Gloucester see off London Irish

Freddie Burns: Fly-half finished with a personal haul of 24 points

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Freddie Burns inspired Gloucester to a 29-22 victory away at London Irish that means they leapfrog their opponents at the top of Pool 1 in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Fresh from making his England debut against New Zealand a week ago at Twickenham, Burns contributed a personal haul of 24 points to help his side rally from a 22-9 deficit with 50 minutes gone.

The 22-year-old kicked two first-half penalties to keep the Cherry and Whites in touch after Sailosi Tagicakibau's early try had put the hosts in front at the Madejski Stadium.

Although Burns landed another penalty after the break to cut the gap to one, the Exiles seized control of the all-Aviva Premiership contest with two tries.

Halani Aulika and then Anthony Watson both touched down in quick succession, Ian Humphreys managing to add one of the two conversion attempts to open up a commanding 13-point lead.

However, Gloucester found fresh impetus from their bench, substitute prop Dan Murphy taking just six minutes to make his mark on the contest with a try from close range after Charlie Sharples had been held up just short.

Burns converted to make it 22-16 and after Bryn Evans was sin-binned for the home team, the number 10 got over the line himself when he was given just enough space to squeeze over.

He added the extras before two further penalties put the game beyond Irish - they will hope for better fortunes when they head to Kingsholm next weekend for what is now a must-win match in the battle to win the group.

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