London Irish rugby director Toby Booth is in shock after his side failed to secure even a losing bonus point against Wasps on Sunday.
'I am absolutely flabbergasted' says Exiles boss
London Irish rugby director Toby Booth is in shock after his side failed to secure even a losing bonus point against Wasps on Sunday.
The Exiles were overhauled by their London rivals after leading 18-16 going into the final quarter at Adams Park, eventually losing 33-25.
A last minute try from Paulicia Ion looked to have ensured that Booth's men would not leave Adams Park empty handed.
But David Walder's penalty in the dying seconds denied Irish, who were also prevented from returning to the top of the Aviva Premiership.
"Anybody who knows me knows I'm very straight up sort of bloke," said Booth. "But I'm in a state of shock what I have just watched.
"I am absolutely flabbergasted. I cannot believe we played like that and came away without even a bonus point.
Exciting
"We were three times five metres off their line yet came away with nothing.
Then we gave away too many penalties, and for a team who should have been out of sight when in the lead, it's tough to handle.
"I'm aware of our error count, no denying that. But we had plenty of ball and good field position.
"We created plenty of chances and we better learn quickly to take them because next up, we go to Northampton.
"There are some very quiet and disappointed guys in our changing room because they know they had a game for winning out there and didn't win it."
Booth's counterpart at Wasps Tony Hanks paid tribute to both sides for what he said was an exciting match.
He said: "I think it was one of those games where both teams really had a go and played the sport of rugby people want to watch.
Competitive
"The game flowed and it was exciting, but we did get into a situation with the sin-binning that we didn't need to.
"There were some issues at scrum-time, but it was a very competitive area. The win lifts us up to sixth in the table, and we showed we are on the right track.
"We're seeing a group of boys developing together and I recognised things out there that prove we are heading in the right direction."
Wasps coach Shaun Edwards added: "I think we'll be working more on tackling this week.
"But that was a game where we saw a lot of very good rugby from both sides, and we are very satisfied to beat a side who have been top of the league for long periods."
