Exiles on top
London Irish have qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup after scoring a 23-9 Pool One win at Rovigo.
Last Updated: 24/01/09 6:21pm
London Irish have qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup after scoring a 23-9 Pool One win at Rovigo.
Tries from Kieran Roche, Adam Thompstone and Dominic Shabbo were sufficient as the Exiles reached the last eight of the competition as top seeds.
Roche set the visitors on their way before half-time at the Stadio Mario Battaglini.
But lock Gary Johnson was then sin-binned and three penalties from German Bustos allowed Rovigo back into the game.
Shane Geraghty kicked Irish back in front with a 57th-minute penalty before academy wing Thompstone scored his second try at senior level.
Toby Booth's side maintained their unbeaten run in the competition when Shabbo crossed three minutes from time.
