London Irish kept their play-off hopes alive by seeing off Northampton Saints
at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
The Exiles, who announced the appointment of Brendan Venter as player-coach
before the match following the dismissal of director of rugby Dick Best on
Tuesday, ended their dismal run of two defeats in a week with a confident
display that saw Irish pull off a shock win over the reigning European Cup
champions.
Winger Paul Sackey got the celebrations going after he charged up field from
his own 22 on a counter-attack to leave former England full-back Nick Beal in
his wake and score. Barry Everitt added the conversion.
Northampton's Ali Hepher earlier kicked a 20th-minute penalty, but it was not
until 63 minutes had passed before the visitors put anymore points on the
board.
Centre Mark Tucker, who was one of six Academy players filling in for
Northampton's missing international contingent, rattled Irish's cage and scored
to put the two sides level on points after the first conversion.
Former Leinster fly-half Everitt was, however, as consistent as ever with the
boot and held his nerve to kick the home side to victory with two further
penalties.
Man of the match: Kieron Dawson.
Teams:
London Irish: Bishop, Sackey,
Appleford, Wright, Ezulike,Everitt, Campbell, Hatley, Kirke, Halford, Strudwick,
Fahrensohn, Halvey, Dawson, Sheasby.
Replacements: Cunningham for Wright (51)
Tonu'u for Campbell (65), Worsley for Hatley (55),
Delaney for Fahrensohn (55), Bates for Halvey (51).
Not Used: Danaher, Alexopoulous.
Tries: Sackey.
Cons: Everitt.
Pens: Everitt 2.
Northampton: Beal, Moir, Tucker,
Allen, Cohen, Hepher, Malone,
Todd, Richmond, Pagel, Phillips, Brouzet, Rodber, Blowers, Lam.
Replacements: Grayson for Moir (80), Soden for Lam (77).
Not Used: Miles, Sturgess, Hunter, Hyndman, Brooks.
Tries: Tucker.
Cons: Hepher.
Pens: Hepher.
Att: 12,037
Ref: Ed Morrison (RFU).
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