Scarlets 27-19 London Irish
Sportsdesk • Published 29 Jan 2012 18:30
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A LACK of a finishing touch cost London Irish victory over Scarlets and with it top spot in Pool Two of the LV=Cup.
Exiles enjoyed plenty of possession and territory at Parc Y Scarlets but were unable to capitalise on it, with two efforts in the first half ruled out by the Television Match Official.
Scarlets, on the other hand, took full advantage of the opportunities that fell their way and outscored the visitors by three tries to one on Saturday evening.
With just one group game remaining, the loss means Exiles' LV=Cup fate is now out of their hands - but they must beat Gloucester at the Madejski to stand any chance of making the semi-finals.
Toby Booth's men dominated the early exchanges in Wales without any reward as first the TMO ruled Tom Homer had knocked on over the try line and then concluded that Marland Yarde did not ground the ball properly.
And, after Homer and Dan Newton exchanged penalties, Irish misery was compounded when Vili Iongi scored against the run of play.
Newton's conversion made it 10-3 and Irish were then dealt a double blow by an injury to Steven Shingler and a yellow card to his replacement Shontayne Hape for a needless block.
Homer pulled Exiles back into contention with two penalties early in the second half and only a superb tackle from replacement Liam Davies denied Yarde a breakaway try.
Irish's momentum was halted by a skirmish in which Darren Allinson appeared to punch Johnathan Edwards - an action he was not punished for by the referee but could be cited for.
The melee galvanised the hosts and they moved 17-9 ahead when Deacon Manu crashed over for a try that Newton converted.
But Irish hit back with a fourth penalty from Homer and then their only try through Topsy Ojo, who found a hole in the defence and beat the full-back to score under the posts.
Homer's conversion gave Irish a two-point lead but they were unable to hold on until the final whistle as first Newton edged Scarlets in front with a penalty and then Iongi scored his second try in the final minute.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 29 Jan 12
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