Exiles end losing run

London Irish finally got back to winning ways in the Aviva Premiership with a 23-14 triumph over Newcastle at the Madejski Stadium.

The Exiles made sure they didn't suffer a seventh consecutive loss in league action thanks to tries from Ryan Lamb, Clarke Dermody and Seilala Mapusua.

However they were made to work hard for their victory, particularly in an even first-half that ended with them 10-7 ahead.

The Falcons looked in touch at that stage but crumbled after the break, replacement Gcobani Bobo scoring a late consolation try at the death.

Quick start

Irish made a quick start and were ahead after only two minutes when Lamb kicked a simple 25-metre penalty after an infringement at a ruck.

Newcastle though responded well to falling behind; they recycled the ball through a number of phases before gaining position five metres from the home line.

With the scrum won Jimmy Gopperth neatly stepped inside Mapusua for a try under the posts which the fly-half also successfully converted.

Lamb was twice wide with penalty attempts but made amends with a fine solo score that saw him beat two defenders with some neat footwork.

The fine try gave the Exiles a three-point cushion at the break, though their delight was tempered by the loss of Paul Hodgson to injury.

The scrum-half left the field with a horrible-looking cut after being caught on the top of the head by Gopperth's boot as he courageously attempted to block the number 10's clearing kick.

After an even first 40 minutes, Irish came roaring out of the blocks at the start of the second.

Topsy Ojo looked set to reach the line after a fine burst and although Luke Fielden stopped his progress, Dermody was on hand to drive over from close range for a try which Lamb was unable to convert.

Crossed again

Just five minutes later and the home side scored again, more good work by Ojo, as well as replacement Darren Allinson, setting up Mapusua.

Lamb again was off target with the extras, but his replacement, Chris Malone, slotted over an excellent 55-metre penalty to stretch the hosts' lead.

By that stage the Exiles were down to 14 men following the sin-binning of substitute Steffon Armitage with 12 minutes remaining on the clock.

Newcastle proved unable to make the most of the extra man, although they did get a second try in the closing stages when their opponents were back to full strength.

Bobo broke away with the last movement of the match to score a consolation effort. Gopperth converted but the Falcons still missed out on a losing bonus point for their efforts.